Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised opposition figures Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, arguing that they offer no credible alternatives to the policies of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former Edo State governor described Obi as a trader who focuses on short-term results rather than long-term national growth, according to Politics Nigeria. Oshiomhole stated that when asked about security plans, Obi claimed the answer was in his heart, arguing that the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate had failed to present real alternatives.
Oshiomhole also dismissed the political prospects of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, referring to him as a serial loser whose previous failed presidential bids show he is not a threat to the incumbent. He claimed that a potential coalition between Atiku and Obi would still fail to defeat Tinubu in 2027, just as both candidates were defeated when running separately in 2023.
The senator challenged Atiku to clarify his stance on critical issues such as the student loan programme, fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms. He also criticised Atiku's pledge to bring back fuel subsidies, describing it as an unrealistic campaign tactic.
Defending the current administration, Oshiomhole highlighted the Federal Government's decision to provide workers with a temporary monthly transport allowance of N70,000 as proof of Tinubu’s care for citizens. The six-month relief package, scheduled to start in November 2026, followed negotiations between the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress on 27 October.
The deal also covers the payment of outstanding peculiar allowances across three monthly instalments. However, the Trade Union Congress rejected the intervention, demanding permanent pay rises instead of temporary relief.
Oshiomhole maintained that the country should not replace Tinubu with a newcomer, urging the electorate to allow the president another term to consolidate his administration's economic reforms.
