Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the 2027 presidential ambition of Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate Peter Obi. He described Obi’s promise to transform Nigeria within a single four-year term as unrealistic and driven by desperation.
Oshiomhole made the remarks during an appearance on TVC‘s Beyond the Headlines. He spoke following Obi’s recent interview in which he reaffirmed his commitment to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.
Oshiomhole questions Obi’s political consistency
The former Edo State governor argued that Obi had not remained consistent in his political convictions. He cited Obi’s exit from the All Progressives Grand Alliance after leaving office.
“Let’s face it. The Peter Obi that was governor of Anambra State is not the Peter Obi of today,” Oshiomhole said. “Because the Peter Obi of Anambra was one who said, as a matter of respect to the memory of Ojukwu, he will not ever abandon APGA. But before daybreak, once his tenure ended, Obi became a political wanderer.”
APC chieftain questions Obi’s business background
The APC chieftain also argued that Obi’s background as a trader makes him unsuitable to undertake long-term planning required to govern Nigeria. According to him, traders focus primarily on short-term returns.
“Obi is a trader. Traders have short-term calculation. They are not into long-term projections,” he said. “They are not wired to think of what situation will be in the long run.”
Oshiomhole further alleged that Obi’s business interests revolve around importation rather than domestic production.
“Obi’s business is to export jobs and import unemployment to the country,” he said. “That is what he lives for. He’s a trader.”
Oshiomhole praises Tinubu’s economic reforms
In contrast, Oshiomhole praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. He said the President inherited a country facing severe economic challenges but had taken difficult decisions to reposition it.
“Bola Ahmed Tinubu is someone who believes that for your tomorrow, we must do certain things today, painful as it may be,” he said.
He likened Tinubu’s reforms to a life-saving surgical operation. He argued that the country is beginning to experience the benefits despite criticism from the opposition.
Obi’s four-year promise unrealistic, says Oshiomhole
“Do you really believe that anybody whose business is for real, who couldn’t fix a state in four years, he worked hard in eight years, he didn’t fix it… is telling you and me at our age that he just needs four years?” he asked. “That is the height of desperation.”
He added that desperation affects sound judgment, arguing that Obi’s campaign promises lacked credibility.
Read also: Oshiomhole: Obi has no reputation, you can’t take him by his word
