Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as unfit to lead Nigeria, describing him as a trader with short-term interests and no capacity for long-term governance. Speaking during a live interview on TVC on Monday, Oshiomhole questioned Obi’s suitability for the presidency, asserting that his background as a businessman does not equip him for national leadership.
Oshiomhole argued that traders operate on short-term cycles, typically within three to six months, and are not wired to think about long-term national development. He contrasted this mindset with that of manufacturers, investors, and entrepreneurs who plan years in advance, sweat through early stages, and build infrastructure before seeing returns. According to the senator, Nigeria’s current challenges require leaders who understand such long-term planning, which he claims Obi lacks.
The senator also referenced Obi’s past as Governor of Anambra State, noting that Obi once pledged loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in respect of the late Odumegwu Ojukwu. Oshiomhole said Obi broke that promise immediately after his tenure ended, aligning himself with political figures Ojukwu would have rejected. He pointed to Obi’s role as running mate to Atiku Abubakar as evidence of his political opportunism.
Oshiomhole further criticized Obi’s lifestyle and business activities, suggesting they reflect his priorities. He stated that Obi’s business model involves exporting jobs and importing unemployment, a claim he made while highlighting Obi’s ownership of a shopping mall. The senator maintained that such ventures do not contribute to large-scale job creation or industrial growth, which Nigeria desperately needs.
In his view, a president must be someone who understands the process of building industries from the ground up—someone who invests time, capital, and effort over years. He emphasized that Nigeria’s economy is at a critical point and cannot afford leaders who prioritize quick profits over sustainable development.
Despite the strong criticism, Oshiomhole did not rule out Obi’s political ambitions entirely, but he firmly stated that Obi would not become president “God willing.” The senator’s comments have sparked reactions across political circles, with supporters and critics alike weighing in on the appropriateness of his remarks.
As the 2023 general elections approach, statements like Oshiomhole’s are likely to intensify the political discourse, shaping public perception of candidates and their perceived readiness for national leadership. The debate over who truly understands Nigeria’s economic and developmental challenges continues to gain momentum.
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