Oshiomhole doubts Obi 2027 chance after 2023 protest vote

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed the 2027 presidential prospects of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, arguing that his previous electoral success was a temporary protest vote and that his policy promises lack credibility. The former Edo State governor made the remarks during a television interview on July -27, 2026, where he assessed the political landscape ahead of the next general election.

Oshiomhole contended that Obi's strong performance in the 2023 presidential election, including a victory in Lagos State, was not a reflection of his personal political strength but a consequence of widespread public anger. He attributed this anger to the economic hardship caused by the cash scarcity from the naira redesign policy and fuel shortages that occurred just before the election. According to Oshiomhole, these conditions, implemented under former President Muhammadu Buhari, led frustrated voters to cast protest ballots against the ruling All Progressives Congress, with Obi being the primary beneficiary.

The senator asserted that the specific conditions that fueled Obi's 2023 surge no longer exist, making a repeat performance unlikely in 2027. He further questioned Obi's...