The state of Nigeria’s industries and the challenge of unemployment have featured in the All Progressives Congress’ campaign message ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole blaming the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for the closure of major manufacturing companies.

Oshiomhole made the allegation on Thursday at the APC presidential campaign rally in Ekiti State, where he accused Obasanjo’s government, in which Atiku Abubakar served as Vice President, of weakening Nigeria’s industrial base and increasing the country’s dependence on imported goods.

He specifically mentioned Michelin and Dunlop, arguing that their closure contributed to the loss of local manufacturing capacity. Oshiomhole also questioned the administration’s record on electricity, recalling its reported expenditure of 16 billion dollars on the power sector.

The senator used the argument to challenge Atiku, who is now the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, over his concerns about unemployment and the state of the economy. He asked what further investment would be required to address Nigeria’s electricity problems.

Oshiomhole also urged voters in Ekiti State to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, presenting the current administration’s approval of a new minimum wage as part of its record on workers’ welfare.

His remarks place the debate over industrialisation, electricity supply and employment within the wider political contest between the APC and opposition parties. However, the allegations about the closure of Michelin and Dunlop were not accompanied by supporting figures or a detailed account of the factors behind the companies’ exit.

Atiku and former President Obasanjo were not reported to have responded to Oshiomhole’s latest comments. The claims therefore remain his political assessment of the previous administration’s economic record as campaigning for the 2027 election gathers attention.