Senator Adams Oshiomhole has questioned the leadership capacity of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general election.
Oshiomhole argued that Obi failed to address the challenges facing Anambra State during his eight years as governor, questioning how he intended to transform Nigeria within a four-year presidential tenure.
He also predicted that Atiku, whom he accused of spending much of his time outside Nigeria, would return to Dubai after losing the 2027 presidential election.
The former Edo State governor made the remarks at an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Cross River State, where he called on residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Taking a swipe at Obi’s promise to govern Nigeria for only four years, Oshiomhole questioned his ability to deliver on such a commitment.
“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.
He also criticised Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that the former Vice-President only returns 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,” Oshiomhole said.
The senator subsequently highlighted what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration, particularly its interventions and projects expected to benefit Cross River State.
He cited the resolution of Cross River’s non-littoral status and its recognition as an oil-producing state, saying the development would boost revenue generation and expand the state’s economic opportunities.
On education, Oshiomhole defended the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, arguing that it had created opportunities for young Nigerians from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education.
He maintained that no student should be denied access to education because of their parents’ inability to pay school fees, describing Tinubu as a leader committed to expanding educational opportunities.
Oshiomhole also pointed to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, expressing optimism that its completion would stimulate economic activities, attract investments and accelerate development in Cross River State.
Defending the administration’s economic reforms, the former governor particularly praised the abolition of multiple exchange rates, which he said had created an unfair system that favoured individuals with privileged connections.
According to him, the previous foreign exchange arrangement allowed different categories of people to access dollars at different rates, while the current policy had introduced a more uniform exchange rate system.
He argued that implementing such reforms required courage and visionary leadership, insisting that the Tinubu administration had demonstrated the political will to take difficult decisions.
Oshiomhole urged Cross River residents to reject opposition parties and consolidate their support for the APC, expressing confidence in the party’s political fortunes 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.
