SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar, accusing their administration of contributing to the collapse of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and the country’s growing dependence on imported goods.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, made the allegations on Thursday, November 5, while speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Ekiti State.
The former Edo State governor specifically accused the Obasanjo-led administration of presiding over the closure of major manufacturing companies, including tire manufacturers Michelin and Dunlop, arguing that the development weakened Nigeria’s industrial capacity and affected employment opportunities.
According to him, the policies and decisions taken by the administration left the country increasingly dependent on foreign products, ranging from basic household items to clothing.
Turning his criticism towards Atiku, who served as vice president under Obasanjo, Oshiomhole questioned the former presidential candidate’s recent comments about unemployment, arguing that the administration in which he served should also be held accountable for the economic challenges it allegedly helped create.
He also revisited the controversy surrounding the $16 billion reportedly spent on the power sector during the Obasanjo administration.
Oshiomhole recalled that Atiku had previously spoken publicly about the expenditure, questioning what additional resources would be required to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
“Atiku Abubakar, as Vice President, was crying on television that his government and his oga, Obasanjo, spent $16 billion on power. “So you ask, Atiku, how many more US dollars do you need?” he said.
The senator maintained that Atiku’s criticism of rising unemployment overlooked the industrial decline that occurred under the administration in which he served.
Beyond attacking the former vice president, Oshiomhole used the rally to canvass support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged Ekiti residents to support the APC and return Tinubu to office, pointing to the approval of a new national minimum wage under the current administration as evidence of its commitment to workers’ welfare.
Oshiomhole’s remarks add another dimension to the growing political exchanges ahead of the 2027 elections, with the APC increasingly using the economic record of previous administrations to challenge opposition figures.
However, his claims about the collapse of Nigeria’s industries and the responsibility of the Obasanjo administration remain political allegations that require consideration alongside the broader economic policies and challenges of the period.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
