A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former Cross River State House of Assembly member, Cletus Obun Mbia, has launched a scathing attack on former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, challenging the credibility of his “consumption to production” agenda.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party (LP), recently declared his intention to serve only one term if elected president in 2027. He cited Nelson Mandela’s leadership legacy as his inspiration.
In an interview with Daily Trust, Mbia dismissed Obi’s one-term pledge as a political gimmick. He argued that Obi lacks a proven record in industrial or technical development to support his economic mantra.
“Peter Obi says we should move from consumption to production. Yet, throughout his business career, there’s no evidence of actual production. He’s known for trading — buying and selling. So, where’s the production? Where is his factory?” Mbia questioned.
Mbia also rejected Obi’s comparison with Nelson Mandela, asserting that their contributions and legacies differ significantly.
“Mandela spent his entire life fighting for his people before being called to lead. He didn’t need to declare anything publicly. Real leadership doesn’t require announcements. You don’t fold an umbrella and call it a walking stick,” he said.
Education Achievements Under Scrutiny
He further criticized Obi’s educational claims, questioning the long-term impact of improved WAEC results during his tenure.
“He claims Anambra ranked first in WAEC performance. But after WAEC, what next? How does that translate into meaningful education or productivity?” Mbia asked.
Allegations of Weak Grassroots Governance
The APC leader didn’t stop there. He accused Obi of failing to uphold grassroots democracy during his eight-year tenure as governor.
“For almost your entire tenure, there were no local government elections. You only held them in your final year. If you truly cared about the people, why wait until the end?” Mbia added.
2027 Elections: APC Vows to Respond
According to Mbia, Obi’s political ambitions seem more personal than patriotic. He warned that the APC would take a firm stand when the 2027 campaigns begin.
“We’ll address these issues during the campaigns. For now, there’s no need to analyze him. Peter is not someone Nigerians should place their trust in,” he concluded.
Public Debate Continues Over Obi’s Pledge
Meanwhile, Obi’s one-term proposal has sparked intense public debate. While some supporters see it as a bold leadership vision, critics like Mbia believe it’s a strategic move designed to attract sympathy ahead of 2027.
