ADC membership flooded with fake identities — Shettima slams opposition

Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticised opposition parties, accusing them of thriving on “lies and hypocrisy,” while insisting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is politically stronger than it was during the 2023 general elections.

 

Shettima made the remarks while representing President Bola Tinubu at an interfaith breaking of fast for Ramadan and Lent held at the State House, Abuja.

 

During his address, the Vice President took a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its advocacy for electronic transmission of votes, alleging that the party’s membership registration portal was overwhelmed by fake entries.

 

“The same people who were adamant that we must have electronic transmission of votes opened their portal for membership registration, and it was flooded with fake names and fictitious identities,” Shettima said.

 

He accused opposition groups of relying on misinformation to drive their political narratives.

 

“You and I know that, as Winston Churchill once said, ‘truth is so precious that it must be surrounded by a bodyguard of lies.’ Lies, lies, lies—that is what is driving the opposition in this country,” he added.

 

Addressing political and religious leaders at the gathering, Shettima urged members of the ruling party to remain united as the next political season approaches.

 

“Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the political season is around the corner. We are all political actors. We have to sell our government. We have to stand behind our administration,” he said.

 

The Vice President also dismissed suggestions that recent defections into the APC were forced, insisting that governors joining the party were doing so willingly.

 

“Nobody is coercing the governors of Rivers, Delta, Kano or any other state to join the APC. It is at their own volition because they have seen the light,” he said.

 

Shettima further maintained that the ruling party now enjoys a stronger political footing compared to the period leading to the 2023 elections.