LAGOS: Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has launched a fresh criticism of NDC Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing him as a trader rather than a long-term investor and questioning his political consistency, leadership philosophy, and presidential ambition.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News, Oshiomhole argued that Obi’s business philosophy reflects a preference for short-term profits rather than long-term investments capable of creating jobs and transforming Nigeria’s economy.
According to the former Edo governor, manufacturers and industrial investors plan for decades, building factories, creating employment, and strengthening national productivity. He contrasted this with what he described as Obi’s focus on importation and quick turnover.
Oshiomhole alleged that Obi’s business interests have largely revolved around importing goods into Nigeria rather than establishing industries that would provide employment opportunities for Nigerians.
To illustrate his point, the senator recalled a visit to one of Obi’s shopping malls, where he said he purchased a bottle of wine imported from South Africa. According to him, the experience reinforced his belief that Obi’s business model emphasizes importing foreign products instead of encouraging local production.
He argued that while President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies are designed around long-term national development, Obi’s approach is driven by immediate commercial returns.
Drawing another comparison, Oshiomhole said Obi’s political calculations have also reflected what he described as short-term thinking. He cited Obi’s decision to become former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, claiming that the move was based on expectations of short-term political gains.
According to Oshiomhole, Obi’s political calculations rarely extend beyond a few months, unlike leaders who build long-term political structures and institutions.
The senator also accused Obi of political inconsistency, recalling that although the former Anambra governor often associates himself with the political philosophy of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, he eventually left the All-Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the party widely identified with Ojukwu, after completing his tenure as governor.
He further argued that Peter Obi of the 2023 presidential election, and Peter Obi of today represent different political personalities, suggesting that Obi frequently changes his positions to suit prevailing political circumstances.
Oshiomhole also revisited the circumstances surrounding Obi’s emergence as governor of Anambra State, claiming that his victory was largely made possible by the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra state at the time rather than by extraordinary electoral strength.
According to the senator, Obi does not ordinarily possess the political structure required to consistently win elections without favorable political conditions.
The former governor also criticized Obi over recent comments regarding President Tinubu’s administration. He noted that Obi had argued that Tinubu the Governor of Lagos is different from Tinubu the President, suggesting that the President has become tired and should resign to allow others to govern.
Oshiomhole dismissed the argument, saying Obi himself has changed politically over the years and therefore lacks the moral authority to question another leader’s evolution in office.
He also referenced media reports in which Obi allegedly stated that many Nigerians would rather remain in South Africa than return home despite recent xenophobic attacks. Oshiomhole disagreed with the position, insisting that such comments paint Nigeria in a negative light.
The senator maintained that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing reforms whose benefits may not be immediate but are intended to secure Nigeria’s long-term economic future.
Expressing confidence in the President’s leadership, Oshiomhole said he does not believe Obi will become Nigeria’s president.
He added that he considers Obi one of the easiest politicians to engage in an open public debate, maintaining that he is prepared to defend his criticisms with facts whenever such an opportunity arises.
The remarks are the latest in the ongoing political exchanges between leading figures in the build-up to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, as supporters of both President Tinubu and Peter Obi continue to debate their respective records, economic philosophies, and visions for the country’s future.
