Why Shettima’s Jabs at Atiku Reflect a Kanuri-Fulani Joking Tradition

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s repeated jabs at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are often seen as harsh political insults. I see them differently: as an extension of a longstanding Kanuri-Fulani joking relationship that permits ritual teasing without personal offence. Across parts of West Africa, communities use such relationships to exchange exaggerated mockery while maintaining kinship, peace and mutual support. Hausa speakers call it wasan barkwanci, while the Kanuri and Fulani have their own traditions of teasing across age and social status. Shettima has previously said this cultural bond gives him latitude to tease Atiku, whom he addresses respectfully in private. But Atiku’s response that the remarks are disrespectful shows the limits of taking a traditional custom into modern partisan politics, especially where age, office and public perception matter. The tradition can encourage political rivalry without bitterness, as seen in other West African countries. However, it works best when both sides understand the custom and willingly participate in the humour.

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