Nigeria’s political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election has intensified after Senator Adams Oshiomhole criticized the one-term presidency pledge made by Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing the promise as unrealistic.
Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines, Oshiomhole questioned Obi’s claim that he could put Nigeria on the path to recovery within a single four-year term if elected president.
The former Edo State governor also challenged Obi’s political consistency, recalling that the former Anambra State governor had once pledged to remain in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) out of respect for the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu but later left the party after completing his tenure.
According to Oshiomhole, Obi has changed significantly since leaving office, arguing that his political journey raises questions about his consistency and long-term commitments.
Oshiomhole further argued that Obi’s background as a trader does not reflect the long-term planning required to lead Africa’s most populous nation. He claimed that trading is largely driven by short-term calculations, unlike manufacturing and large-scale investment, which require long-term economic planning.
He also alleged that Obi’s business interests are focused on importation rather than local production, arguing that such activities do not contribute enough to domestic job creation.
Defending President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Oshiomhole said the government inherited serious economic challenges and had introduced difficult but necessary reforms aimed at rebuilding the country’s economy. He likened the reforms to a painful medical operation that is necessary for long-term recovery.
The senator also referenced Obi’s past remarks during xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying they reflected poor judgment for someone seeking Nigeria’s highest political office.
Maintaining that Nigeria’s challenges cannot be resolved within a single four-year term, Oshiomhole described Obi’s campaign promise as lacking credibility and suggested it reflected political desperation rather than a realistic governance plan.
The latest exchange highlights the increasingly intense political contest ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, as leading political figures continue to debate competing visions for the country’s future.
