Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has described the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as a trader, accusing him of failing to present a clear alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s policies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oshiomhole made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, where he questioned Obi’s policy proposals, particularly on national security, arguing that his approach to governance was driven by short-term economic considerations rather than long-term national development.
“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.
The former Edo State governor acknowledged the right of opposition politicians to contest the presidency but insisted that Tinubu deserved another term, arguing that the President had overcome the initial challenges of his administration.
He urged Nigerians to allow Tinubu to continue implementing his policies rather than electing another leader, whom he described as an inexperienced alternative.
According to Oshiomhole, the 2027 presidential election should be viewed against the background of the economic and governance records of previous administrations, particularly that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under whom former Vice President Atiku Abubakar served.
The senator criticised the Obasanjo administration, alleging that it failed to guarantee the regular payment of workers’ salaries.
He also contrasted Tinubu’s economic policies with those of Atiku, accusing the former vice president of presiding over a multiple exchange rate regime that allegedly favoured individuals with privileged connections.
Oshiomhole further defended the Tinubu administration’s labour and workers’ welfare policies, citing the approval of a monthly N70,000 transport allowance for workers as evidence of the President’s commitment to improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
“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 per cent 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.
LEADERSHIP reports that the Federal Government approved a monthly N70,000 transport allowance 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 the payment of outstanding peculiar allowances in three equal monthly instalments, beginning in November.
However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) rejected the transport allowance, insisting that workers require a permanent salary increase rather than temporary financial relief.
