‘Angry’ Oshiomhole Challenges Reuben Abati to Street Fight

Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, has publicly challenged Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesperson and co-host of Arise Television’s breakfast show, to a physical confrontation.

The challenge comes in response to what Oshiomhole described as “mischievous” questioning by Abati during a recent television interview.

Speaking on *Politics Today*, a Channels Television programme aired on Tuesday, Oshiomhole expressed dismay over a question Abati posed to Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta State.

“I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta State, Okowa—mischievously, I must say, with all due respect—‘Did you get permission from Oshiomhole for your sins to be forgiven before decamping to the APC?’” Oshiomhole said.

The former Edo State governor criticised what he saw as an attempt to associate him with political decisions he had no involvement in.

“How can you ask that? What is my status? I’m in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for prosecuting anyone who has done wrong?” he asked.

Oshiomhole also referenced Abati’s own past, citing his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his tenure as spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The man who made that statement was at a time invited by the EFCC after serving as Jonathan’s spokesman. Thereafter, EFCC arrested him. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave the PDP for where he is now?” he said.

He further criticised Abati’s commentary on Labour Day, accusing him of ignoring his contributions to Nigeria’s labour movement.

“Even on Labour Day, he mentioned labour leaders who had been involved in protests and fighting for workers, but he couldn’t credit me for leading those movements. This is the same person who once wrote ‘Oshiomhole, the people’s president’ when I was president of the NLC,” he said.

Oshiomhole concluded by suggesting that Abati confront him directly rather than through media platforms.

“If you’re angry because you wanted to be deputy governor and lost in Ogun State, is that why you’re paranoid—using every opportunity to attack me? If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind TV. Let’s meet on the street and fight it out,” he said.