Adams Oshiomhole, Deputy Director of Mobilisation and prominent unionist, has taken a swipe at Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), questioning their leadership records and political promises while defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Oshiomhole made the remarks during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross River State, where he addressed party supporters, youths and women, commending Governor Bassey Otu for what he described as his commitment to consolidating development and advancing the interests of the state.
He praised Cross River for its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence that the state would benefit from the Federal Government’s policies and programmes.
Speaking on youth development, Oshiomhole highlighted the importance Tinubu attaches to education, particularly through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides financial assistance to students struggling to meet their educational expenses.
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According to him, about 5,300 students in Cross River State have benefited from the student loan scheme, describing the initiative as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians and families facing financial difficulties.
He also pointed to improvements in infrastructure and the need to strengthen the state’s revenue base, arguing that sustained collaboration between the federal and state governments would accelerate development.
The former Edo State governor further praised Tinubu’s interest in Cross River’s historical significance, recalling a briefing on the state’s rich heritage during a visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar. He noted that Calabar’s historical importance, including its former status as an administrative centre during colonial rule, deserved renewed national recognition.
However, Oshiomhole’s most contentious remarks were directed at opposition figures, particularly Atiku and Obi, whose political ambitions and leadership records he questioned.
Taking a swipe at Atiku, he accused the ADC presidential candidate of treating Nigeria as a country to return to only during election seasons, alleging that he frequently relocates to Dubai after electoral contests. He further predicted that Atiku would lose the election if Tinubu emerged victorious.
Oshiomhole also questioned Peter Obi’s leadership record, challenging his performance as a former governor of Anambra State and expressing doubts about his ability to deliver on a four-year presidential promise.
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He argued that leadership should be measured by demonstrable achievements, consistency and the ability to deliver on promises rather than political rhetoric.
In a further attack on Atiku, Oshiomhole criticised what he described as the ADC presidential candidate’s comments about Tinubu’s administration and questioned the political implications of his suggestion that members of his family could succeed him in public office.
He maintained that Tinubu had laid the foundation for national development through policies he believes would yield long-term benefits, urging Nigerians to support what he described as visionary leadership.
Oshiomhole concluded by thanking the people of Cross River State, particularly the youths and women, for their support, while expressing optimism that the state would continue to witness progress under Governor Otu’s administration.
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