Oshiomhole dismisses Obi’s presidential ambition, questions economic credentials

By Musa Baba Adamu

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has ruled out the possibility of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi becoming Nigeria’s president, arguing that the former Labour Party presidential candidate lacks the long-term economic outlook required to lead the country.
Speaking during an interview on TVC, monitored in Abuja, the Edo North senator described Obi as a businessman whose background in trading influences his approach to governance and economic planning.
According to Oshiomhole, traders are primarily focused on short-term returns rather than long-term investments, contrasting them with manufacturers and industrialists whom he said understand the patience and planning needed to build productive enterprises.
He also accused Obi of inconsistency in his political career, recalling that the former Anambra governor had pledged to remain in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in honour of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu but later left the party to become the running mate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The former Edo State governor further argued that Obi’s business interests are centred on trading rather than manufacturing, alleging that such an orientation encourages importation instead of domestic production and job creation.
Oshiomhole maintained that Nigeria needs leaders who appreciate long-term investment in industry and productive sectors, insisting that Obi’s record and business background do not fit that profile.
He concluded by expressing confidence that Peter Obi would not emerge as Nigeria’s next president.