Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North and former governor of Edo State, has openly dared Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, to a physical confrontation.
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This came in reaction to comments Abati made during a recent broadcast on Arise TV, which Oshiomhole described as mischievous, disrespectful, and misleading.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oshiomhole expressed outrage over a question Abati directed at former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Abati had asked whether Okowa sought Oshiomhole’s “permission” before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), implying that Oshiomhole held godfather-like powers within the party.
Reacting, Oshiomhole said he was shocked that a senior journalist like Abati could suggest such an idea. He questioned his own role in the party, stating that he is a legislator, not someone involved in law enforcement or party discipline. He added that such a suggestion makes no sense and only reflects Abati’s bias.
Though Oshiomhole did not directly name Reuben Abati during the interview, he made pointed references to Abati’s past, including his time as spokesperson to President Goodluck Jonathan and his subsequent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He said, “The man who made that statement was invited by the EFCC after serving under Jonathan. Shamelessly. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP to go where he is?”
Oshiomhole further accused Abati of downplaying his contributions to Nigeria’s labour movement. He recalled how Abati once wrote an article titled “Oshiomhole: The People’s President” during his time as president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), but now pretends not to recognize his legacy.
He also expressed disappointment that during the recent Labour Day celebrations, Abati failed to acknowledge his past efforts as a key labour activist, instead making dismissive remarks about former labour leaders who later became governors.
In a heated climax, Oshiomhole launched a personal challenge, saying, “If you’re angry because you wanted to be a deputy governor and lost an election in Ogun State, is that the reason you are paranoid and constantly attacking me? If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind a TV camera. Let’s meet in the street and fight it out.”
Reuben Abati was the running mate to the late Senator Buruji Kashamu in the 2019 Ogun State governorship election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where they lost to the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun of the APC.
As of the time of this report, Dr. Abati has not responded to Oshiomhole’s fiery remarks, but the public challenge has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political and media circles.