Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, arguing that the former Anambra State governor does not possess the qualities needed to lead Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on TVC on Monday, Oshiomhole described Obi as a trader whose approach, according to him, is driven by short-term calculations rather than long-term planning.
According to the former Edo State governor, traders are generally focused on quick business cycles and may not be inclined to think beyond immediate returns.
“Peter Obi is a trader. Traders have short-term calculations. They are not into long-term projections. Their focus is on turnover within three to six months,” Oshiomhole said.
He also accused Obi of abandoning his earlier political stance after leaving office as governor of Anambra State.
Oshiomhole recalled that Obi had pledged to remain loyal to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) out of respect for the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, but later joined other political alliances, including becoming the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The senator further argued that a person’s lifestyle and professional background could offer insight into how they might govern if elected.
“You look at his lifestyle to project what he would do if he were to become president, which he would not be, God willing,” he said.
Oshiomhole maintained that manufacturers, investors and entrepreneurs are better equipped to understand long-term economic development because they invest years in building productive ventures before seeing returns.
He also alleged that Obi’s business activities encourage the importation of goods at the expense of local job creation.
“Nigeria was virtually grounded. Peter Obi is not aware because he’s busy trading. I have said before that Peter Obi’s business is to export jobs and import unemployment into the country. He’s a trader. He owns a shopping mall,” Oshiomhole said.
BACKSTORY:
Adams Oshiomhole’s remarks come amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with major political figures already positioning themselves and engaging in public debates over leadership and governance.
Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, emerged as one of the leading opposition figures after winning millions of votes nationwide and securing victory in several states, including Lagos. Although the Supreme Court upheld President Bola Tinubu’s election victory, Obi has remained active in national politics and is widely expected to seek the presidency again under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor and a prominent figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has been a vocal critic of Obi’s political ambitions and economic philosophy. In his latest comments, he argued that Obi’s business background and political trajectory make him unsuitable to lead the country, adding to the ongoing exchanges between supporters of the two politicians as the 2027 election approaches.
