Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) has taken aim at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, labelling him Nigeria’s most prominent political defector and suggesting he is best suited to write a book on party-switching in the country.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Oshiomhole highlighted Atiku’s history of jumping between parties — from PDP to ACN, back to PDP, then to APC, and again to PDP — as driven by personal ambition, not ideology.
“I think the best person to write a book on why politicians defect is Atiku Abubakar. He’s done it more than anyone else,” he said.
Oshiomhole, a former APC national chairman, dismissed claims that the APC’s increasing dominance in the Senate poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. With 68 senators now in its fold, the APC is edging closer to a two-thirds majority, but Oshiomhole argued that this won’t stifle dissent.
“Even in the US, presidents are happy when they control both houses. It doesn’t mean there won’t be debate,” he said.
He emphasized that his loyalty is first to Nigeria, not to his party.
“The sum of all political parties doesn’t equal the nation. When party and national interest clash, I choose Nigeria,” he added.
On the defections of three PDP senators from Kebbi State to the APC, Oshiomhole said he was pleased, noting that they were among the founding members of the party.
Clashes with Abati
Oshiomhole also used the platform to lash out at Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati. He criticised Abati’s recent interview with former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, in which Abati quipped that Okowa must have gotten Oshiomhole’s “forgiveness” before joining the APC.
“That's a mischievous question from someone who should know better,” Oshiomhole said. “If you want to insult me, don’t hide behind a TV camera — let’s meet on the street and fight it out.”
He accused Abati of lacking gratitude, recalling that the journalist once praised him in his writing as “Oshiomhole, the people’s president” during his time as NLC president.
He also brought up Abati’s past brush with the EFCC after serving under President Goodluck Jonathan, adding, “Was I the one who granted him bail?”
Rejects Rotational Presidency
Oshiomhole further applauded the rejection of a bill proposing rotational presidency in Nigeria, arguing that competence, not geography, should determine leadership.
“Tinubu didn’t wait for rotation to become president. He fought and earned it,” he said.
While opposition parties express concerns about a shrinking democratic space, Oshiomhole insists the APC’s growing dominance does not threaten democracy — and isn’t stopping him from challenging critics at every turn.
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