Abuja, Nigeria — Tensions flared in Nigeria’s political media landscape on Tuesday after Senator Adams Oshiomhole challenged veteran broadcaster and former presidential aide Dr. Reuben Abati over what he described as a provocative and misleading statement aired on national television.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oshiomhole expressed strong displeasure over remarks made by Abati on a recent episode of Arise TV’s The Morning Show, where Abati posed a controversial question to former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who recently defected to APC.
Abati had reportedly asked whether Okowa sought Oshiomhole’s “permission” for his sins to be forgiven before joining the All Progressives Congress (APC)—a comment that Oshiomhole labeled as “mischievous” and disrespectful.
“I found it deeply surprising that a journalist of such experience would pose that kind of question,” Oshiomhole remarked, his tone reflecting visible displeasure. “What jurisdiction do I have to absolve anyone within a political party? I am a legislator, not a judge.”
Abati’s comment was a reference to a widely circulated remark made by Oshiomhole on January 17, 2019, in which he famously stated, “Once you join the APC, your sins are forgiven.“ The irony of Oshiomhole’s reaction has not gone unnoticed by observers, many of whom are questioning why a reference to his own past statement elicited such a strong response.
Though he refrained from naming Abati directly, the senator’s reference to the anchor’s previous role as a presidential spokesperson and his history with law enforcement left no doubt about the target of his criticism.
Oshiomhole, who once led the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and also governed Edo State, challenged the notion that he wielded any internal authority to approve political moves within the APC. He also questioned Abati’s journalistic ethics, suggesting the question to Okowa was more theatrical than factual.
“It is outrageous for a broadcaster to suggest that I hold that kind of spiritual or political veto. The legislature does not prosecute anyone; that’s not our role in democracy,” he emphasized.
In a scathing aside, Oshiomhole alluded to Abati’s past, referencing his 2016 detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his time as media adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Media, Politics, and Personal Histories Collide
The clash highlights the growing tensions between Nigeria’s political class and media figures with political backgrounds. While Abati has transitioned back into journalism after his stint in government, critics like Oshiomhole argue that such dual roles raise questions about objectivity and bias.
As of press time, Dr. Reuben Abati has not issued a public response to Oshiomhole’s remarks.
