The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in the House of Representatives has taken a swipe at former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, over his recent criticism of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, accusing him of distorting facts about Obi’s security record as governor of Anambra State.
Leader of the caucus, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, described Oshiomhole’s claims as “revisionist history” and a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections. Oshiomhole, during a recent podcast interview, had reportedly questioned Obi’s performance on security in Anambra, arguing that he lacked the credentials to address Nigeria’s current security challenges.
Responding in a statement on Monday, Ogene insisted that Obi’s record on security remains a matter of public record and cannot be erased by political rhetoric. “Senator Oshiomhole’s attempt to rewrite history is both laughable and insulting to Nigerians who know the facts. Obi’s security achievements in Anambra are well documented and remain verifiable,” he said.
The lawmaker faulted Oshiomhole’s reference to the Bakassi Boys, noting that the vigilante group operated during the administration of the late Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, years before Obi assumed office in 2006. He also rejected claims that the demolition of kidnappers’ hideouts began under former Governor Willie Obiano, maintaining that the initiative was introduced during Obi’s administration as part of efforts to combat crime.
Ogene further argued that Obi pioneered a community-based security framework in Anambra through the recruitment, training and equipping of security personnel across the state’s 177 communities. To buttress his position, he cited former Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Philemon Leha, who served during Obi’s tenure and reportedly commended the former governor’s commitment to supporting security agencies with logistics and operational assistance.
The caucus leader also alleged that the growing criticism of Obi from politicians across party lines reflected concerns about his rising profile ahead of the next presidential election. “The coordinated attacks on Mr. Peter Obi and his political aspiration point to one thing: he remains a major issue in the conversation about the 2027 elections. Like every Nigerian, he has the constitutional right to seek elective office, and no amount of smear campaigns can take that away,” Ogene stated.
