Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has taken strong exception to remarks made by Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, describing them as “disrespectful” and “mischievous”—and even going as far as challenging him to a street fight.
The fiery exchange stems from a recent episode of The Morning Show on Arise News, where Abati appeared to mock the defection of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Abati had jokingly asked whether Okowa sought Oshiomhole’s permission before his “sins” were forgiven and he defected to the ruling party.
Appearing on Politics Today on Channels Television on Tuesday, Oshiomhole fired back:
“I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta State, Okowa, ‘Did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven?’ That’s mischievous.”
Although Oshiomhole did not mention Abati by name, his references were unmistakable. He questioned the logic of linking his role in the legislature to political forgiveness and faulted the anchor for allegedly harbouring personal grudges.
“The man who made that statement was invited by the EFCC after he was Jonathan’s spokesman… Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP?” he asked.
The senator also expressed irritation at not being acknowledged for his labour activism during recent May Day discussions, despite leading historic worker protests as former NLC president.
Oshiomhole accused Abati of being driven by personal bitterness over his failed political bid as deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State under the PDP in 2019:
“If you are angry because you wanted to be a deputy governor and lost an election… don’t hide behind the TV. Let’s meet in the street and fight it out.”
This public challenge adds fuel to a simmering media-political rivalry, highlighting the increasingly confrontational tone of Nigeria’s political discourse.
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