Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi during the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential campaign rally in Cross River State.
Speaking on Monday at the rally in Calabar, Oshiomhole defended President Bola Tinubu’s religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, responding to Atiku’s reported criticism of the President’s decision to travel abroad to pray amid Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
The senator questioned Atiku’s commitment to Nigeria, alleging that the former Vice President spends most of his time in Dubai and only returns to the country when presidential elections approach.
Oshiomhole also predicted that Atiku would lose the 2027 presidential election and return to Dubai shortly afterwards.
In his words:
“Atiku said we should not go and pray, all right, but Atiku lives in Dubai. He only comes home on the eve of every election, and he will lose in January. By February, Atiku will be back in Dubai.”
Turning his attention to Peter Obi, the former Edo governor questioned the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate’s promise to serve only one four-year term if elected President.
Oshiomhole argued that Obi’s eight years as governor of Anambra State should be considered when assessing his capacity to deliver on a four-year presidential mandate.
He challenged the former governor to explain why Nigerians should believe he could fix the country within four years when, according to him, he did not sufficiently transform Anambra State during his two terms.
Oshiomhole said:
“If Peter Obi couldn’t fix Anambra in eight years, how can he look you koro koro in the eyes and say he only needs four years?”
The remarks formed part of the APC’s political attacks on opposition figures as the ruling party intensifies mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rally, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu and other party leaders, brought together supporters from across the South-South region.
Oshiomhole’s comments have added to the growing political exchanges between the ruling party and opposition leaders over leadership, governance, national priorities and the performance of previous administrations.
While his remarks about Atiku’s residence and Obi’s performance in Anambra represent his political assessments, the two opposition figures’ records and proposals remain subjects of public debate as the 2027 election approaches.
The coming months are expected to bring more political exchanges as parties present their candidates, defend their records and seek public support.
