Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed Peter Obi’s strong showing in the 2023 presidential election as a product of public frustration rather than genuine political muscle, arguing that the Labour Party candidate capitalised on widespread anger over the Buhari administration’s final policies.
Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond the Headline, the former Edo State governor attributed Obi’s electoral surge to the crippling cash scarcity and fuel crisis that preceded the poll, which he said inflicted severe hardship on Nigerians and triggered protest voting.
“The conditions that produced Obi’s performance no longer exist,” Oshiomhole asserted, predicting that the former Anambra governor would struggle to replicate his 2023 feat in 2027.
The APC stalwart also questioned Obi’s economic credentials, characterising him as a trader preoccupied with short-term gains rather than a statesman committed to long-term national development. He contrasted this with President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure agenda, which he described as evidence of greater dedication to Nigeria’s economic future.
Turning to the next general election, Oshiomhole said his immediate focus remained on securing re-election for himself, President Tinubu, and other APC candidates in his constituency.
“This time around, I want to concentrate on convincing the people of my constituency to vote for me, to vote for President Tinubu, and to vote for our House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates because we belong to the same party,” he stated.
The former APC national chairman reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the party, recalling that he had refused to abandon his principles even when it cost him personally under the previous administration.
“Everyone who knows me knows that I’m fiercely loyal. When my loyalty was tested by the previous administration, I stood my ground. They took my job, I stood my ground and kept my honour,” he said.