You’ve Never Produced Anything!” – APC Chieftain Tears Into Peter Obi’s Production Agenda

A former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Cletus Obun Mbia, has taken a swipe at former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his widely publicized economic mantra of transitioning Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to a productive one.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election and plans to run again in 2027, recently declared that he would serve only one four-year term if elected, drawing inspiration from the late South African leader Nelson Mandela.

Reacting in an interview with Daily Trust on Tuesday, Mbia dismissed Obi’s one-term promise as nothing more than a political gimmick, questioning the former governor’s track record in industrial development and real production.

“Peter Obi was once a governor, yet he tells us we should move from consumption to production. But his entire business history shows no real production — just trading. Where is his factory? What has he produced?” Mbia asked.

He also criticized Obi’s attempt to draw parallels with Nelson Mandela, calling the comparison unfounded and misleading.

“Mandela was a lifelong freedom fighter who sacrificed everything for his people. His leadership was earned, not declared. He didn’t announce he would step down — his actions spoke louder than words. A lion doesn’t need to roar to prove it’s a lion,” Mbia stated.

Mbia further questioned Obi’s achievements in the education sector, especially the emphasis on improved WAEC rankings during his tenure.

“He said Anambra ranked number one in WAEC. So what? How does passing WAEC translate into meaningful educational development or production? What came after WAEC?” he asked.

He also took a swipe at Obi’s democratic record, accusing him of ignoring local government elections for most of his time in office.

“In eight years, he only conducted local government elections in the final year of his tenure. So where is the grassroots empowerment he talks about?” Mbia queried.

Concluding, Mbia asserted that Obi’s political ambitions are driven more by personal interests than genuine national service, warning that the APC is prepared to counter his campaign as the 2027 elections approach.

“We will address these issues when the campaign begins. For now, let’s not give him free publicity. Peter Obi is not someone Nigerians should put their trust in,” he said.

Obi’s one-term pledge has sparked mixed reactions across the country — hailed by supporters as a sign of selfless leadership, but dismissed by critics like Mbia as a calculated move to gain public sympathy ahead of the next presidential election.