Senator Adams Oshiomhole has questioned whether former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar have what it takes to lead Nigeria, as the 2027 general election approaches.
Oshiomhole argued that during his eight years as governor, Obi did not tackle Anambra State’s problems, and he predicted that Atiku would go back to Dubai once he loses the presidential election.
The former Edo State governor made these comments at a campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, where he called on residents to back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Challenging Obi’s pledge to govern Nigeria for just four years, Oshiomhole said the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) had not shown the capacity to deliver within that timeframe.
“If Peter Obi could not fix Anambra State in eight years, how can he look you korokoro in the eye and say he will do it in four years?” he asked.
The former Edo state governor also took a swipe at Atiku, accusing the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of spending much of his time outside the country and returning to Nigeria during election periods.
“Atiku, who lives in Dubai, only comes home at the eve of every election. When he loses this one, as he will lose, in January or by February, Atiku will be back in Dubai,” he said.
Oshiomhole, however, leveraged the campaign to spotlight what he termed the achievements of the Tinubu administration, especially in Cross River State.
He stated that the state’s recognition as an oil-producing state, following the resolution of its non-littoral status, would boost revenue flowing to the state and enhance its economic prospects.
Regarding education, the senator said the federal government’s student loan scheme had created opportunities for young people whose parents could not afford their school fees.
He portrayed Tinubu as a leader who prioritizes access to education, contending that students should not be denied opportunities because of their parents’ financial circumstances.
Oshiomhole also highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, stating that its completion would bring economic opportunities and development to Cross River State.
The senator also defended the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, particularly the scrapping of multiple exchange rates.
He contended that the previous system created different exchange rates for people based on their connections, adding that the current arrangement had established a uniform exchange rate across the country.
According to Oshiomhole, implementing the policies required courage and visionary leadership.
He called on Cross River residents to reject the opposition parties, maintaining that the APC had established a strong political presence in the state.
“Today, tomorrow, and forever, I believe APC has come to stay in Cross River, and together we will advance the growth and development of Nigeria,” he said.
