You Don’t Sack A Surgeon Who Completed Surgery Others Feared’ — Oshiomhole Defends Tinubu’s Reforms

According to a report by TVC News on September 2026, APC chieftain and Senator Adams Oshiomhole has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying difficult policies should not be abandoned just because they cause short-term discomfort.

Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines, the former Edo State governor used a medical analogy to explain the administration’s approach. He compared Nigeria’s economy to a critically ill patient that required risky intervention.

Oshiomhole argued that Tinubu took steps that previous governments avoided due to political cost, and that such boldness should be rewarded with continuity rather than criticism.

“According to Oshiomhole, “You don’t sack a surgeon who has successfully completed a surgery that others were afraid even to attempt,””

The senator said the reforms were aimed at addressing deeper structural problems, even though they came with immediate economic pain for citizens. He maintained that the president was willing to implement measures others were reluctant to touch.

Oshiomhole also spoke on disagreements among politicians in Tinubu’s camp ahead of 2027. He described such differences as normal in a democracy, noting that politicians can argue over strategy and candidates without breaking their broader alliance.

“According to Oshiomhole, the outcome of any election ultimately rests with voters, and political actors must convince citizens of their positions and allow the electorate to decide.”

His comments come at a time of increased political activity as parties begin positioning for the 2027 presidential election. Supporters of the Tinubu administration have continued to defend the removal of fuel subsidy, forex unification, and other reforms, while critics argue about their impact on cost of living and poverty.

As a former labour leader and governor, Oshiomhole’s backing is seen as significant within the APC. He stressed that while debates within the party are expected, unity would be key to selling the administration’s record to Nigerians.

With two years to the next general election, the debate over the success or failure of Tinubu’s reforms is expected to dominate political discourse.