Oshiomhole Slams Atiku Over Serial Defections, Challenges Abati to Street Fight

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) has launched a blistering attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as Nigeria’s most prominent political defector, and suggesting he should write a book chronicling his party-hopping journey.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Tuesday, Oshiomhole listed Atiku’s multiple defections as evidence of political inconsistency driven by ambition rather than ideology.

“But let me remind you that the most popular defector in Nigeria’s history is His Excellency Atiku Abubakar,” Oshiomhole said. “As a sitting vice president, he decamped from the PDP to the ACN, which was led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the time. Was he coerced? Was he forced? No.”

Tracing Atiku’s history, Oshiomhole recalled how he left the PDP in 2006 for the Action Congress (AC) amid friction with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, only to return in 2009, defect again to the APC in 2014, and go back to the PDP in 2017.

“I think the best person to write a book on political defections in Nigeria should be Atiku. He has the experience,” the former APC chairman quipped.

Oshiomhole also challenged the notion that the APC’s growing majority in the Senate — now at 68 members — poses a threat to democracy. He dismissed such fears, insisting that a majority does not equate to a lack of diversity in opinion.

“Whether this is a danger to democracy? No, I don’t think so,” he stated. “Even in the US, it is celebrated when a president controls both the House and Senate. Debate and dissent are still alive in our National Assembly regardless of party numbers.”

He added that lawmakers often vote based on merit rather than party affiliation and argued that true democracy lies in the freedom of expression and representation of national interest over party interest.

Reflecting on recent defections — including those of Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) from the PDP to APC — Oshiomhole expressed excitement, noting they were part of APC’s founding team.

“When a founder returns to the house, it’s a thing of joy,” he said.

Touching on his controversial 2019 remark that “when you join APC, your sins are forgiven,” Oshiomhole claimed the quote was taken out of context to cause mischief.

‘Meet Me on the Streets’ — Oshiomhole Takes on Reuben Abati

In the same interview, Oshiomhole lashed out at Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, over what he described as “mischievous” and “disrespectful” questioning directed at former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

He cited Abati’s recent interview with Okowa in which the journalist jokingly asked if the former governor sought Oshiomhole’s permission to join the APC so that his “sins” could be forgiven.

“I was shocked that a senior journalist could ask such a mischievous question,” Oshiomhole fumed. “What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for prosecuting people?”

He also referenced Abati’s own past, recalling his invitation by the EFCC after serving as spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The man who made that comment was once arrested by the EFCC. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave the PDP to go where he is now?” he asked.

Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), also accused Abati of failing to credit him for past contributions to the labour movement.

“If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV. Let’s meet in the street and fight it out,” Oshiomhole said, issuing a fiery challenge to the journalist.

Rejects Rotational Presidency Bill

On the rejection of a recent bill proposing rotational presidency in Nigeria, Oshiomhole voiced strong support for its defeat, arguing that leadership should be based on merit, not geography.

“To try to use law to enforce geography as a basis [for presidency], I don’t find much merit in it. Tinubu didn’t need rotation to become president — he fought his way through,” he said.

With growing defections strengthening the APC’s hold on the Senate, Oshiomhole insists that party dominance poses no danger to democracy — while using the moment to take shots at political opponents and critics alike.