2027: Oshiomhole Demands Policy Blueprint From Obi, Questions What He Would Do Differently

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has challenged former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to state in clear terms what he would do differently from President Bola Tinubu if elected president in 2027, insisting that the opposition figure has yet to present a clear alternative to the policies of the current administration.

Truth Live News Media reports that Oshiomhole made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he questioned Obi’s leadership approach and economic vision.

He described Obi as a trader, arguing that his business-oriented mindset was focused on short-term returns rather than the long-term interests and development of the country.

“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 noted that while traders were concerned with immediate turnover, statesmen should prioritise the future of the country and the welfare of generations yet unborn.

“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 said he had no objection to opposition politicians contesting the presidency but maintained that Tinubu deserved another opportunity to consolidate his administration after navigating its initial challenges.

According to the former NLC boss, Nigerians should not be compelled to introduce what he described as a new apprentice into the leadership of the country at this stage.

He also took aim at the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in which former Vice President Atiku Abubakar served, alleging that it failed to ensure the regular payment of workers’ salaries.

On the economic direction of the country ahead of the 2027 general election, Oshiomhole said Nigerians would have to choose between Tinubu and Atiku.

He lauded Tinubu for unifying the exchange rate, while accusing the Obasanjo administration of operating multiple exchange rates that allegedly favoured individuals with privileged connections.

The senator also defended the Tinubu administration’s workers’ welfare policies, citing the approval of a monthly N70,000 transport allowance for public sector workers as evidence of the government’s commitment to easing their economic difficulties.

He argued that the additional allowance would significantly improve the earnings of workers receiving N70,000 monthly, effectively doubling their income.

“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 percent 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.

The Federal Government approved the transport allowance for public sector workers across all levels for an initial six-month period 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 instalments, beginning in November.

However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) rejected the temporary transport allowance, insisting that workers require a permanent salary increase rather than short-term financial relief.