The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has challenged the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to present an alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s policies ahead of the 2027 general election.
This was just as Oshiomhole described Obi as a trader whose approach to governance was driven by short-term gains rather than long-term national development.
The former Edo State governor made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he defended Tinubu’s administration and urged Nigerians to allow the President to serve another term.
“Peter Obi has not offered any alternative. I think it is you or someone else who asked him for security, what will you do differently? He said, it’s in his heart.
“I’ve always said that Peter Obi is a trader; the logic of a trader is short term turnover. A statesman that Tinubu represents thinks of the next generation,” he said.
Oshiomhole also dismissed the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a serial loser who poses no threat to Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He argued that Atiku’s repeated unsuccessful attempts to become president made him an unconvincing alternative to the incumbent.
“Atiku is a serial loser. I am not afraid of him,” the senator said.
He listed Atiku’s defeats in the 2007, 2011, 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, adding that the former vice president had also lost the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before moving to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Oshiomhole further argued that the political alliance reportedly being considered by Atiku and Obi would not change the outcome of the 2027 election, noting that both politicians contested separately in 2023 but lost to Tinubu.
He also criticised the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under which Atiku served as vice president, alleging that it failed to guarantee the regular payment of workers’ salaries.
The senator framed the forthcoming election as a choice between Tinubu’s economic policies and those of Atiku, whom he accused of presiding over a system of multiple exchange rates that favoured individuals based on their connections.
He challenged Atiku to explain what he would do differently if elected, particularly on fuel subsidy, the exchange rate system and the student loan scheme.
Oshiomhole also dismissed Atiku’s promise to restore fuel subsidy if elected, accusing him of making promises to appeal to voters rather than presenting a credible alternative.
Defending Tinubu’s economic policies, the senator cited the Federal Government’s approval of a N70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers as evidence that the President was concerned about their welfare.
“I think this government is doing well. If a man who was on N70,000 now is given N70,000 addition that makes it N140,000 for him it’s a hundred percent increase and if you know what N10,000 means for the real masses, you’ll appreciate that Tinubu has shown that he cares,” he said.
The Federal Government approved the N70,000 monthly transport intervention for workers across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026, following a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 27.
The agreement also provides for outstanding peculiar allowances to be paid in three equal monthly instalments beginning in November.
However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) rejected the transport allowance, arguing that workers needed a permanent salary increase rather than temporary financial relief.
While acknowledging the right of opposition politicians to contest the presidency, Oshiomhole maintained that Tinubu deserved another opportunity to continue his administration after overcoming its initial challenges.
He urged Nigerians not to abandon the President for a new candidate, arguing that the country should allow Tinubu to consolidate the policies he had introduced rather than “recruit a new apprentice”.
