Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing him as a trader whose approach to leadership focuses on short-term gains rather than long-term national development.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, also questioned Obi’s ability to present an alternative to the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The former Edo State governor made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
He argued that Obi had not clearly explained what he would do differently if elected president, particularly on major national issues such as security and economic management.
“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,” Oshiomhole said.
He went on to describe the former Anambra State governor as a trader, arguing that the nature of trading encourages short-term calculations, unlike the long-term planning he believes is required for national development.
“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 added.
Oshiomhole maintained that leadership required decisions that would create lasting structures for future generations, contrasting what he described as Tinubu’s long-term approach with Obi’s business background.
The senator also questioned Obi’s position on the removal of petrol subsidy, accusing him of inconsistency in his comments on the policy.
He recalled that Obi had supported subsidy removal but later appeared to align his position with that of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who had advocated its restoration.
According to Oshiomhole, the apparent change in position made it difficult for Nigerians to establish what Obi would do if elected president.
“You can’t pin him to anything,” he said.
Oshiomhole further argued that political leaders must be prepared to communicate difficult decisions honestly to citizens, even when such decisions could cause temporary hardship.
“The most important thing about leadership is being courageous enough to tell your followers, your countrymen and women, the truth, however bitter that truth is,” he said.
The senator also made allegations concerning Obi’s tax record, claiming that the NDC candidate kept substantial assets in offshore tax jurisdictions and had not paid taxes in Nigeria.
“Do you know that Peter Obi has not paid tax in Nigeria? He kept his money in a tax haven,” Oshiomhole alleged.
He further claimed that Obi had admitted to keeping his assets in such jurisdictions.
However, the tax-related claims remain allegations made by Oshiomhole during the interview and should not be treated as independently established facts.
Obi, who governed Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, has previously spoken in support of removing petrol subsidy, arguing that the proceeds should be properly managed and invested in areas such as healthcare and other public services.
In August 2026, he maintained that mismanagement of the revenue generated from subsidy removal should not be used as a reason to restore the policy.
The exchange comes as political parties and their presidential candidates prepare for the 2027 general election, with economic management, security, taxation and the cost of living expected to remain major issues in the campaign.
