‘You Cannot Take Peter Obi By His Words’ – Oshiomhole

Former Edo State Governor and serving senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has launched a fresh attack on the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, questioning his political consistency and ability to build lasting structures within political parties.

Speaking during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast, Oshiomhole argued that Obi’s political history demonstrates a pattern of moving from one party to another whenever challenges arise, rather than remaining to strengthen and manage the platforms that helped elevate him politically.

According to the former governor, Obi’s actions over the years have made it difficult for people to rely on his political commitments.

“Peter Obi has no reputation; you cannot take him by his words,” Oshiomhole said during the interview.

The former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress recalled Obi’s time in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), noting that the former Anambra State governor had once pledged to remain loyal to the party that provided him the platform to become governor.

Oshiomhole alleged that despite benefiting significantly from APGA and the support of the late Biafran leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Obi eventually left the party.

“First, he said he was not going to leave APGA when Ojukwu handed the party to him and the party produced him as governor,” he stated.

The senator further claimed that Obi later joined another political platform in pursuit of a vice-presidential ticket but exited after failing to secure the position.

According to Oshiomhole, rather than staying behind to build the party and prepare for future opportunities, Obi opted to move elsewhere.

“After that, Obi joined a party because he wanted to be vice president, but he was defeated. Instead of staying back to strategize, he left,” he alleged.

The former governor also referenced Obi’s move to the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 presidential election, arguing that the party handed him its presidential ticket without a prolonged internal contest.

He noted that despite Obi’s impressive electoral performance and widespread support during the election, he did not remain to consolidate and strengthen the party afterward.

“Labour Party handed over the ticket to him on a platter of gold. According to him, he got eight million votes. Common sense would suggest that you manage that platform, invest in it, and deal with all internal challenges,” Oshiomhole said.

He further accused Obi of abandoning political parties whenever internal disputes emerge, claiming that the former governor prefers joining platforms where political structures have already been established rather than participating in difficult organizational work.

Oshiomhole also commented on Obi’s recent political alignment with the Nigeria Democratic Congress, alleging that the move was motivated by his desire to avoid competitive primary elections.

“He wanted to join another platform, but when it became clear there would be primary elections, he moved elsewhere. He does not want to go through the first stage of the election process,” the former governor claimed.

The remarks add to the growing political exchanges between leading figures ahead of the 2027 general election, as parties continue to reposition themselves and build alliances in preparation for what is expected to be a highly contested presidential race.

While Obi and his supporters have consistently defended his political decisions as strategic moves aimed at advancing his reform agenda, critics argue that his frequent party changes raise questions about political loyalty and long-term commitment to party development.

The comments by Oshiomhole are likely to generate fresh reactions from Obi’s camp as the political battle for 2027 continues to intensify.