ABUJA, Nigeria — Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North and former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a fiery public challenge to Reuben Abati, co-host of Arise Television’s breakfast programme The Morning Show, over what he described as “mischievous” commentary and questions posed by the journalist.
The confrontation stems from a recent broadcast in which Abati questioned Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta State, about his decision to join the APC, suggesting it required some form of endorsement from Oshiomhole.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Oshiomhole sharply criticised the line of questioning and took personal offence at what he saw as an attack on his political integrity.
“I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta state, Okowa, mischievously, ‘I must say, with all due respect,’ did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?” the senator recounted.
Oshiomhole rejected any implication that he holds prosecutorial powers over political figures.
“What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone wrong in any way?” he asked.
The former governor of Edo State went on to draw attention to Abati’s own political and legal history, recalling that the journalist had previously been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his tenure as a spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The man who made that statement was at a time invited by the EFCC after he was Jonathan’s spokesman, shamelessly. Thereafter, EFCC arrested him. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP to go where he is?” Oshiomhole said.
The senator also took exception to what he described as a lack of recognition for his role in Nigeria’s labour movement.
Referring to Abati’s comments on Labour Day, Oshiomhole noted that he was not acknowledged for leading protests and picketing as the former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“Even on Labour Day, he was saying some labour leaders who had been involved in picketing and fought for workers; he could not even credit me with the fact that I led the protest. This is a guy who wrote ‘Oshiomhole the people’s president’ when I was president of the NLC,” he said.
Oshiomhole concluded his remarks with a provocative challenge, suggesting that if Abati wished to continue his criticisms, they should confront each other face to face.
“If you are angry because you wanted to be a deputy governor and you lost an election in Ogun State, is that the reason you are paranoid, using every opportunity to abuse me? If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out.”
As of the time of reporting, Mr. Abati had not issued a public response to Oshiomhole’s comments.
