Former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed Peter Obi’s promise to transform Nigeria within a single four-year term if elected president in 2027, describing the pledge as unrealistic and a sign of political desperation.
Speaking during an appearance on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines, Oshiomhole reacted to Obi’s recent interview, where the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate reaffirmed his commitment to serve only one term if elected.
Questioning Obi’s political consistency, the former governor said the ex-Anambra State governor had abandoned the principles he once publicly defended by leaving the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) after completing his tenure in office.
“The Peter Obi that was governor of Anambra State is not the Peter Obi of today. He once said, out of respect for Ojukwu, he would never abandon APGA. But before daybreak, once his tenure ended, Obi became a political wanderer,” Oshiomhole said.
The APC chieftain also argued that Obi’s background as a trader makes him unsuitable for the long-term planning required to govern Nigeria, claiming traders are more focused on short-term gains than long-term development.
“Obi is a trader. Traders have short-term calculation. They are not into long-term projections. They are not wired to think of what the situation will be in the long run,” he said.
Oshiomhole further alleged that Obi’s business activities encourage importation rather than local production.
“Obi’s business is to export jobs and import unemployment to the country. That is what he lives for. He’s a trader,” he added.
Defending President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Oshiomhole said the President inherited serious economic challenges but had taken bold decisions aimed at repositioning the country, even if they were initially painful.
“Bola Ahmed Tinubu is someone who believes that for your tomorrow, we must do certain things today, painful as it may be,” he said.
The senator also questioned Obi’s claim that he could fix Nigeria within one term, arguing that the former governor had eight years in office in Anambra but could not achieve all he now promises at the national level.
“Do you really believe that anybody who couldn’t fix a state in four years, worked hard in eight years and still didn’t fix it, is telling Nigerians he just needs four years? That is the height of desperation,” Oshiomhole stated.
He concluded by saying desperation affects sound judgment and claimed Obi would be “the easiest person to engage in a debate.”
Source: TVC.
