Senator Adams Oshiomhole has blamed former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for the closure of several Nigerian industries.
The Edo North senator accused their administration of weakening local manufacturing and turning Nigeria into an import-dependent economy.
Oshiomhole made the allegations on Thursday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Ekiti State.
He specifically mentioned Michelin and Dunlop, two companies that once operated major manufacturing facilities in Nigeria.
Oshiomhole questions Atiku over power spending
The former Edo State governor also criticised Atiku over the $16 billion reportedly spent on the power sector during the Obasanjo administration.
He recalled Atiku’s public comments about the expenditure while serving as vice-president.
“Atiku Abubakar as Vice President was crying on television that his government and his oga, Obasanjo, that they spent $16 billion on power. So you ask Atiku how many more US dollars do you need?” Oshiomhole said.
He also challenged the former vice-president over unemployment and the decline of local industries.
“I understand that Atiku is lamenting about unemployment, who closed down Nigerian industries? Who closed down Michelin? Who closed down Dunlop?” he asked.
Oshiomhole further accused the former administration of making Nigeria dependent on imported goods.
“Who reduced Nigeria to importer of everything from underwear to socks? It was done by the government and party which Atiku belonged to,” he added.
Oshiomhole urges Ekiti residents to support Tinubu
The APC chieftain urged residents of Ekiti State to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
He also highlighted the current administration’s approval of a new national minimum wage as part of his argument for Tinubu’s re-election.
Oshiomhole’s comments form part of the APC’s campaign messaging as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
Oshiomhole previously criticised Atiku over Dubai residence
The senator had also criticised Atiku during an APC campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, on Monday.
He alleged that the former vice-president lives in Dubai and returns to Nigeria mainly when presidential elections approach.
“Atiku lives in Dubai. He comes to Nigeria on the eve of every election to contest. He does not live here. He does not know what the people are going through,” Oshiomhole said.
Atiku has not responded to the latest allegations in the report.
The claims about the closure of the companies and responsibility for the decline of manufacturing were Oshiomhole’s political accusations.
