Senator Adams Oshiomhole has challenged Peter Obi’s one-term presidency plan, arguing that four years would not be enough for the former Anambra State governor to address Nigeria’s problems. The Edo North senator made the remarks on Monday, 27 July, as political arguments intensified ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Oshiomhole, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, spoke during an appearance on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines. He questioned Obi’s record as governor and described his promise to leave office after one term as unrealistic.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has repeatedly said he would serve for only four years if elected in 2027. He argues that one term would be enough to begin reforms and move the country in a different direction.
New Daily Prime previously reported that Peter Obi submitted his one-term presidency proposal to the opposition coalition. The proposal is a political promise rather than a legal requirement, meaning it would depend on Obi keeping his word if he wins the election.
Oshiomhole questions Obi’s Anambra record
Oshiomhole said voters should examine Obi’s performance during his years as Anambra governor before accepting his promise to transform Nigeria within four years.
“Do you really believe that anybody who worked hard in eight years, but couldn’t fix a state?” he asked.
He added: “That is the height of desperation.”
The senator argued that governing Nigeria would require long-term planning and sustained policy implementation. He said Obi’s record did not provide enough evidence that he could deliver the changes being promised within a single term.
Oshiomhole also questioned Obi’s political consistency, pointing to his departure from the All Progressives Grand Alliance, the party under which he governed Anambra State.
He accused Obi of moving between political platforms when it suited his ambitions and described him as a “political wanderer”. The criticism follows growing attacks from the ruling party over Obi’s political movements and his bid to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The Presidency has also challenged Obi to provide clear policy alternatives instead of concentrating mainly on criticism of the Federal Government.
Senator criticises Obi’s business background
During the interview, Oshiomhole also criticised Obi’s background as a trader. He argued that traders often concentrate on immediate returns, while manufacturers and major investors are more likely to plan over longer periods.
He further alleged that Obi’s business interests were based largely on importing goods rather than supporting domestic production. He claimed that such activities exported employment opportunities and brought unemployment into Nigeria.
Related news
Oshiomhole defends Tinubu’s economic reforms
Oshiomhole used the interview to defend President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the President inherited serious economic problems and had taken difficult decisions to reposition the country.
He compared the reforms to a medical operation that causes pain before a patient begins to recover. According to him, Tinubu understands that difficult steps must sometimes be taken today to secure better conditions in the future.
The senator said Nigerians were beginning to see the benefits of the administration’s policies, although he did not provide detailed figures during the reported part of the interview.
Obi has taken a different position. He has repeatedly criticised the government’s handling of poverty, public borrowing, insecurity and the cost of living, warning that Nigeria could face deeper problems without a change in direction.
He has not presented his one-term offer as a promise to solve every Nigerian problem within four years. During his latest Channels Television interview, he said his priority was to create a functioning country and begin reversing years of decline.
“I’m desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said, adding that his happiness did not depend entirely on holding political office.
He also repeated his commitment to serve for only one term and leave office at the end of the agreed four-year period. The exchange reflects the growing battle over competence, credibility and economic policy ahead of 2027. Voters will ultimately have to assess Obi’s record and proposals alongside the performance and promises of the ruling APC.
