Former Edo State Governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is not his enemy despite their political differences and his criticism of the former Anambra State governor’s record in office.
Oshiomhole made the clarification during an interview with Symfoni TV on Thursday, explaining that his criticisms of Obi should not be interpreted as personal animosity.
The former labour leader recalled that both men experienced political pressure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government while serving as governors under different political platforms.
“Peter Obi is not my enemy. We both suffered at some point as governors. I was ACN, he was APGA. We were both oppressed by PDP federal might,” Oshiomhole said.
The senator also disclosed that he invited Obi to Edo State to commission projects during his tenure as governor, despite their differing political affiliations.
According to him, the invitation was intended to demonstrate that political disagreements should not prevent leaders from recognising development initiatives or allowing their people to benefit from governance.
“I invited Peter Obi to Edo to commission a project. Obviously, it’s not because I dislike him. If I disliked him, I wouldn’t do that. But he was not the only one I invited. I invited governors from across the country,” he said.
Oshiomhole explained that Obi’s visit was not connected to political campaigning, stressing that the former Anambra governor was not expected to campaign for him.
“I wanted to show the people that we can politically disagree, but that doesn’t mean your people should not benefit from development,” he added.
He further reiterated that his relationship with Obi should not be viewed through the lens of their political disagreements.
“Even today, I do not dislike Obi. Don’t misunderstand me,” Oshiomhole said.
