Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar, of presiding over the decline of Nigeria’s industrial sector during their time in office.
Titiansloaded reports that the Edo North lawmaker made the allegation on Thursday at an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Ekiti State, where he criticised the economic record of the former administration.
Oshiomhole, a former national chairman of the APC and ex-labour leader, claimed that the government’s policies contributed to the shutdown of major manufacturing firms, including Michelin and Dunlop.
He argued that the closures weakened local production and left Nigeria increasingly dependent on imported goods.
The senator also questioned Atiku’s position on unemployment, recalling the former vice-president’s comments about the $16 billion reportedly spent on the power sector during the Obasanjo administration.
“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?” Oshiomhole said.
He further challenged Atiku’s criticism of rising joblessness, arguing that the administration in which he served was responsible for the decline of industries that once provided employment.
Oshiomhole asked who was responsible for the closure of Michelin and Dunlop and Nigeria’s growing reliance on imported products, including basic items such as underwear and socks.
He maintained that the former vice-president’s party and government should be held accountable for the situation.
The senator urged Ekiti residents to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, pointing to the administration’s approval of a new minimum wage for workers as one of its achievements.
