A fresh political controversy has erupted following comments by former Edo State governor and senator, Adams Oshiomhole, who questioned the security record of Peter Obi during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
Speaking on a podcast on June 14, Oshiomhole argued that Obi failed to effectively address security challenges in Anambra, particularly issues associated with the activities of the Bakassi Boys vigilante group. He further claimed that significant improvements in security were achieved only under Obi’s successor, former Governor Willie Obiano.
The former Edo governor also contrasted Anambra’s experience with his own administration in Edo State, maintaining that security conditions during his tenure between 2008 and 2016 were comparatively better.
The remarks quickly generated strong reactions from Obi’s supporters and political commentators, many of whom challenged the accuracy of Oshiomhole’s claims.
Critics pointed out that the Bakassi Boys, a vigilante group that gained prominence in parts of South-East Nigeria during the early 2000s, had already been disbanded by federal authorities in 2002. They argued that the group’s dissolution occurred several years before Obi assumed office as governor in 2006, making it difficult to attribute responsibility for its activities to his administration.
Supporters of the former Anambra governor also highlighted several security initiatives implemented during his eight-year tenure.
According to them, Obi’s administration invested heavily in strengthening law enforcement agencies through the provision of operational vehicles, communication equipment, and other logistical support for security personnel.
They further noted that his government worked with the Anambra State House of Assembly to enact legislation aimed at combating kidnapping and other violent crimes, measures that were widely credited with improving public safety in the state.
Many of Obi’s defenders also referenced assessments made toward the end of his administration, which they say ranked Anambra among the safest states in the country at the time.
The exchange has intensified political debate as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
Political observers note that discussions about the performance of former governors have become increasingly prominent as parties and candidates seek to persuade voters ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Obi, who now serves as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), is expected to remain a central figure in national political discourse, particularly as opposition parties position themselves against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Analysts say the disagreement between Oshiomhole and Obi’s supporters reflects a broader contest over political legacies and governance records.
Questions surrounding economic management, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and security are likely to feature prominently as political actors seek to defend their achievements and scrutinize those of their rivals.
While supporters of Oshiomhole insist that public officials must be held accountable for their records in office, Obi’s backers argue that criticisms should be based on verifiable facts rather than historical inaccuracies.
As debate continues across political circles and social media platforms, the controversy underscores the growing intensity of Nigeria’s political landscape and the increasing scrutiny of past administrations ahead of the 2027 elections.
For many observers, the exchange serves as an early indication that security, governance, and leadership records will remain major issues in the battle for public support in the months leading to the next general election.
