Former Edo State Governor and current Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has declared that President Bola Tinubu would secure a second term if elections were held today, despite ongoing economic challenges facing Nigerians.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, Oshiomhole defended the President's performance, stating that Tinubu "will win very well" in a free and fair election based on his achievements so far.

"If you sit in Lagos, you may not be able to understand that, whereas there are general problems, which, as we speak, sometimes we are all guilty of sweeping generalizations. We either dismiss everything. If I score 49%, people say I failed. You say fail, even if there is F6, F7, or F9," Oshiomhole explained.

Security Improvements and Economic Reforms

The former Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President highlighted security improvements as one of Tinubu's achievements, citing a senator who recently rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Oshiomhole, the senator reported that people from his senatorial zone who previously could not farm due to insecurity are now able to return to their agricultural activities.

Oshiomhole also praised Tinubu's economic reforms, particularly the elimination of preferential exchange rates that previously benefited only those connected to the Central Bank.

"One of the things that a lot of Nigerians were troubled about is an exchange rate regime in which, just by the fact that you are connected to the Governor of the Central Bank, he allocates $20 million to you at 350 Naira to the dollar. Then, without much ado, you take it to the next person, and you are 100% richer," he said.

"Now, President Tinubu could have decided to benefit from that before putting an end to it. But he said from day one, if it is wrong, don't touch it with the pole. He has abolished that today. What the President gets in exchange rate is what Oshiomhole gets," he added.

Campaign Promises and Challenges

While acknowledging that Tinubu made several promises during his campaign ahead of the 2023 general elections, Oshiomhole admitted that while some have been fulfilled, others remain unfulfilled. However, he maintained that the President has "already done enough to deserve a second term in office."

The senator's comments come amid growing concerns about Nigeria's economic situation, with many citizens struggling with high inflation and cost of living challenges following policy reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration.

Oshiomhole praised the President's courage in implementing reforms that eliminated what he described as speculative banking practices that were enriching a few at the expense of the general population.