Oshiomhole's claim on Obi's security record represents brazen falsehoods -Hon. Ogene 

A fresh war of words has erupted over the security records of former governors Peter Obi and Adams Oshiomhole, with Hon. Afam Victor Ogene strongly rejecting claims that Obi performed poorly on security while serving as Governor of Anambra State.

Ogene, the caucus leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the House of Representatives, described Oshiomhole’s comments as misleading and an attempt to distort historical facts for political purposes.

The controversy began after former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole reportedly questioned Peter Obi’s security credentials during a podcast interview, arguing that Obi’s record in Anambra was insufficient and that he lacked the capacity to address Nigeria’s current security challenges.

Reacting to the remarks, Ogene accused Oshiomhole of engaging in historical revisionism and ignoring publicly available records regarding security initiatives implemented during Obi’s administration.

According to Ogene, efforts to portray Obi’s tenure as unsuccessful in tackling insecurity contradict documented evidence and the testimonies of security officials who served during that period.

“Senator Oshiomhole’s attempt to rewrite history is both laughable and insulting to Nigerians who know the facts. The security achievements recorded during Peter Obi’s administration remain part of the public record and cannot be erased through political rhetoric,” he stated.

Ogene further argued that Oshiomhole wrongly attributed certain security developments to later administrations while overlooking initiatives introduced during Obi’s tenure.

He cited the demolition of criminal hideouts and kidnappers’ dens as one of the measures first implemented under Obi’s government, contrary to claims that such policies emerged afterward.

The lawmaker also highlighted Obi’s community-based security strategy, which involved recruiting, training and equipping security personnel across Anambra’s 177 communities. According to him, the programme laid the foundation for modern community policing efforts in the state.

He maintained that several security-related recognitions received by Obi while in office reflected the effectiveness of the administration’s approach to public safety and crime prevention.

Ogene additionally referenced testimonies from former security officials, including police officers who served in Anambra during Obi’s tenure, saying their accounts contradict attempts to portray the former governor’s record negatively.

Security remains one of the most debated issues in Nigerian politics, particularly as political actors position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.

Peter Obi has consistently argued that insecurity cannot be addressed solely through military force, insisting that economic opportunities, good governance, social inclusion and justice are essential components of lasting peace.

His supporters frequently point to policies implemented during his eight-year administration in Anambra as evidence of his capacity to tackle complex governance challenges.

On the other hand, critics continue to scrutinize his record, making security one of the key battlegrounds in the ongoing political debate over leadership and national development.

The latest exchange between Ogene and Oshiomhole reflects the growing contest over political narratives and legacy ahead of future elections.

Hon. Afam Victor Ogene has firmly defended Peter Obi’s security record, insisting that facts and documented achievements should guide public discourse rather than political rhetoric.

As discussions around leadership, governance and national security continue to dominate Nigeria’s political landscape, debates over the performance of past administrations are likely to remain a central feature of the national conversation.