Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State, has criticized the business model of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, alleging that it depends more on imports than local production.
Speaking during an interview on TVC on Monday, July 27, 2026, Oshiomhole argued that Nigeria’s economy should be driven by investments in production that create jobs rather than by import-based commerce.
To support his argument, the former Edo governor recounted an experience at one of Obi’s retail stores, where he claimed he visited to buy red wine.
“I have said to people, ‘Obi’s business is to export jobs and import unemployment to the country. That is what he lives for. He’s a trader. He owns a shopping mall, and you go there. There was a time I went to buy red wine in one of his stores, and I was told Peter Obi was the sole importer of a particular brand of red wine or something from South Africa,’” Oshiomhole said.
His remarks reflect his broader criticism that Nigeria’s economic growth should be anchored on local manufacturing and production rather than import-dependent business activities.
