Transformational executive and political strategist, Olatorera Oniru, has accused a former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, of being part of Nigeria’s decades of regression.

She added that Mr Obi was not a transformational leader the country needed.  

In a statement on Sunday, Ms Oniru said Mr Obi would have faced similar economic turbulence currently experienced by President Bola Tinubu.

Ms Oniru said, “Had Peter Obi been declared President, he would have faced the same brutal economic landscape as his successor.  An economy ravaged not just by the Buhari regime, but by over six decades of regression, in which he too played a part.

“Yes, a President Obi could have fostered more trust, better budgeting, and a renewed national spirit. He would likely have been better than Tinubu, but still, may be not the transformative leader Nigeria desperately needs. Would he have rebuilt institutions? Revived professionalism in the civil service? Strengthened rule of law? Ensured equitable infrastructure nationwide? Maybe. But not certainly.”

Acknowledging Mr Obi’s unprecedented support base, the politician said the Labour Party chieftain would have removed fuel subsidy and unified the currency just as Mr Tinubu did, lamenting the resultant effects of the twin policies on Nigerians.

She noted, “Subsidy removal: Obi has repeatedly stated that he too would have removed the fuel subsidy. Yet this decision, made without foundational reforms, triggered unprecedented hardship and led to the untimely deaths of tens of thousands. When more than 90 per cent of the population already endures daily inhumanity, additional suffering is not leadership. It is negligence. 

“Currency unification: Also likely under Obi. This decision destabilized countless businesses. Since 2023, many top companies exited or scaled down: Bolt, Jumia Foods, GlaxoSmithKline, Kimberly-Clark, Diageo (Guinness), Holcim, Equinor, Pick n Pay SA, Okra, Lidya, ShopRite, and more. In the oil sector, Shell and ExxonMobil divested onshore assets.”

Ms Oniru, however, said Mr Obi would have led the country with a softer tone and more relatable rhetoric better than Mr Tinubu, saying the Labour Party chieftain was not a transformational national leader based on his past record.

“Obi might have led with a softer tone, greater fiscal caution, and more relatable rhetoric, but the hardship would have remained. During his tenure as Anambra State governor from 2006 to 2014, he was praised for budget discipline, yet the state continues to struggle with weak public systems, underdeveloped infrastructure, and one of the lowest GDP per capita rates globally. Despite his wealth and experience, Obi’s record does not reflect transformational national leadership,” the politician added.

Ms Oniru urged Nigerians to pay more attention to performance-based governance, adding the country requires leaders with long-term vision and track record of ethics and patriotism.

 She noted, “As we reflect on what might have been and what still must be, we must shift from political emotion to performance-based governance. The Obidients were right to demand change. But lasting change isn’t wished into existence. It is built. Nigeria doesn’t need another messiah. We need builders with bold blueprints, long-term vision, and a proven track record of patriotism, ethics, and deliverables.