{
  "id": 15549373,
  "title": "Peter Obi Media Office Faults Shettima Over Remarks on Its Presidential Candidate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/peter-obi-media-office-faults-shettima-over-remarks-on-its",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T03:17:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/10/19/peter-obi-media-office-faults-shettima-over-remarks-on-its-presidential-candidate/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Peter Obi Media Office has expressed disapproval of Vice-President Kashim Shettima's characterization of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as \"diminished.\" In a statement released by spokesman Idris Zekeri Jnr, the media office emphasized that such personal attacks are inappropriate, especially as political parties gear up for the 2027 general election. The office particularly criticized the contrast between Shettima's call for respect for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and his disparagement of Obi, another opposition leader. The media office questioned why Shettima would demand respect for one opposition figure while trivializing another. The office stressed that public officials should acknowledge the contributions and political standing of their opponents, even in the face of disagreements. They highlighted that Obi has maintained a professional and decorous campaign, focusing on issues rather than resorting to abusive language. The statement also highlighted Obi's performance as a former governor of Anambra State, claiming it surpassed Shettima's record in Borno State. The office cited his achievements in fiscal management, investments in education, and healthcare as evidence of his superior administration. However, the media office did not provide comparative statistics to back up these claims.",
  "summary": "Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Peter Obi Media Office, has criticised Vice-President Kashim Shettima over his description of the presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as",
  "key_points": [
    "Peter Obi Media Office criticizes Shettima's remarks on Obi.",
    "Media office condemns personal attacks in political discourse.",
    "Obi's governance in Anambra State outperformed Shettima's in Borno State."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The exchange highlights a growing tension between the administration and the opposition as political leaders shift from policy debates to personal characterizations ahead of the 2027 general election.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "AllAfrica",
        "title": "Nigeria: Peter Obi Media Office Faults Shettima Over Remarks On Its Presidential Candidate",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/nigeria-peter-obi-media-office-faults-shettima-over-remarks-on-its",
        "published": "2026-10-19T03:43:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}