Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed claims that Labour Party’s Peter Obi poses a major political threat to the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that Obi’s 2023 electoral performance was the product of public frustration rather than personal political influence.
Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond The Headlines on Monday, Oshiomhole said Obi benefited from an “unusual situation” created by widespread dissatisfaction with the economic policies of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. He cited the cash crunch caused by the naira redesign policy and the fuel scarcity that preceded the 2023 election as key factors that fueled voter anger.
The former Edo State governor said many Nigerians were unable to access their money despite having funds in their bank accounts, while others paid high charges to Point of Sale operators for cash withdrawals. According to him, the hardship discouraged support for the ruling party and contributed significantly to Obi’s votes.
Oshiomhole also argued that the policies responsible for the hardship were not part of the APC’s political agenda. Recalling conversations with constituents affected by the cash shortage, he maintained that public anger over the economic situation, rather than Obi’s political strength, shaped the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.
