Senator Adams Oshiomhole has questioned what Peter Obi would do differently from President Bola Tinubu if elected in 2027, arguing that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has yet to present a clear alternative to the current administration’s policies.
Oshiomhole made the comments on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he also criticised Obi’s approach to leadership and economic management.
The senator representing Edo North described the former Anambra State governor as a trader, saying his approach focused more on immediate returns 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,” Oshiomhole said.
He added that while a trader might focus on short-term gains, a statesman should be concerned about the future of the country.
“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 said he had no objection to opposition candidates contesting the presidency but argued that Tinubu should be given another opportunity to continue his administration after dealing with its initial challenges.
He said Nigerians should not have to bring in what he described as a new apprentice at this stage.
The senator also criticised the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in which Atiku Abubakar served as vice president. He alleged that the government failed to guarantee regular payment of workers’ salaries.
Turning to the economic debate ahead of 2027, Oshiomhole said the election would offer Nigerians a choice between Tinubu and Atiku.
He praised Tinubu for unifying the exchange rate but accused the Obasanjo administration of maintaining multiple exchange rates that, according to him, gave advantages to people with connections.
Oshiomhole also defended the Federal Government’s handling of workers’ welfare, pointing to the approval of a monthly ₦70,000 transport allowance for public sector workers as evidence of Tinubu’s concern for their living conditions.
He argued that the additional payment would significantly increase the income of workers earning ₦70,000 monthly.
“I think this government is doing well. If a man who was on ₦70,000 now is given ₦70,000 addition that makes it ₦140,000 for him it’s a hundred percent increase and if you know what ₦10,000 means for the real masses, you’ll appreciate that Tinubu has shown that he cares,” he said.
The Federal Government approved the transport allowance for workers across all levels for six months, starting in November 2026, after 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 instalments beginning in November.
However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) rejected the temporary transport support, arguing that workers need a permanent salary increase rather than a short-term intervention.
