ABUJA – Former Edo State Governor and senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has lashed out at Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, accusing him of using his media platform to vent political frustrations tied to his failed 2019 bid to become Ogun State’s deputy governor.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Oshiomhole claimed Abati has continually used his position in the media to attack him, allegedly due to lingering resentment from the 2019 election. Abati ran as deputy to the late Senator Buruji Kashamu on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost to Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“If you are angry because you wanted to be a deputy governor and you lost… is that the reason you are paranoid? If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out,” Oshiomhole said.
The senator was reacting to a recent Arise TV broadcast in which Abati reportedly questioned former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the APC, asking whether he had obtained Oshiomhole’s approval for forgiveness of “sins.” Oshiomhole denounced the remark as “disrespectful” and “mischievous.”
“How can you ask that? What is my status? I’m in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone?” Oshiomhole asked, rejecting the notion that he wields such influence within the APC.
While not naming Abati directly at first, Oshiomhole alluded to the journalist’s legal troubles following his role as spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan, highlighting a past EFCC arrest.
“The man who made that statement was at a time invited by the EFCC after he was Jonathan’s spokesman… Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP to go where he is?” Oshiomhole added.
He also took issue with Abati’s alleged failure to recognize his contributions to the labour movement, particularly during Labour Day celebrations.
“Even on Labour Day… he could not even credit me with leading protests for workers’ rights. This is a guy who once wrote an article titled Oshiomhole the People’s President when I was NLC president,” he said.
The clash underscores the increasingly personal tone of political discourse in Nigeria as media figures and politicians exchange barbs over ideology, influence, and past rivalries.
