Oshiomhole: Naira Redesign Led to Peter Obi’s Victory Over Tinubu in Lagos

Adams Oshiomhole has claimed that the 2023 presidential election victory of Peter Obi over Bola Tinubu in Lagos was largely caused by the cash crisis triggered by the naira redesign policy introduced under former Godwin Emefiele.

Speaking during an interview on TVC, Oshiomhole argued that the severe cash shortage created widespread frustration among Nigerians, particularly in Lagos, where many people struggled to access their money despite having funds in their bank accounts.

According to him, long queues at ATMs, limited cash withdrawals, and the additional burden of obtaining fuel left many voters angry with the ruling APC. He contended that this public dissatisfaction translated into protest votes against the party during the presidential election.

Oshiomhole further maintained that the political climate created by the naira redesign policy made the APC appear unelectable in Lagos, allowing Peter Obi to secure victory in the state. He described the outcome as the result of an “unusual situation,” arguing that the party’s electoral prospects were undermined by policies implemented during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The remarks reflect Oshiomhole’s personal interpretation of the 2023 election results. The reasons behind voting patterns are complex and debated, with analysts citing multiple factors—including economic conditions, demographics, campaign strategies, and local political dynamics—as contributing to the outcome.