Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has publicly challenged Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesperson and current co-host of Arise Television's breakfast show, to a physical confrontation. This challenge stems from Oshiomhole's disapproval of what he considers “mischievous” questions posed by Abati during a recent television segment. Oshiomhole voiced his astonishment at Abati's line of questioning directed at Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor of Delta State, specifically regarding whether Okowa sought Oshiomhole's permission before defecting to the APC.

Oshiomhole also criticized Abati’s past, referencing his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after serving as a spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan. He questioned the irony of Abati's position, given his own history with the EFCC. Furthermore, Oshiomhole expressed disappointment at Abati's Labour Day comments, where he felt Abati failed to acknowledge his contributions to the labor movement, particularly his leadership in workers' protests during his tenure as president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Oshiomhole recalled that Abati had previously written favorably about him, even titling an article “Oshiomhole, the people’s president.”

In a fiery challenge, Oshiomhole directly addressed Abati, suggesting a face-to-face confrontation to settle their differences. He implied that Abati’s criticisms might be fueled by personal grievances, such as a failed attempt to become a deputy governor in Ogun State. Oshiomhole urged Abati to voice his grievances directly rather than through television appearances, proposing they “meet in the street and fight it out.”

The dispute unfolded after Abati's questioning of Okowa on Channels Television's "Politics Today," where Abati asked whether Okowa obtained Oshiomhole's permission for his political decisions. Oshiomhole deemed this question inappropriate, asserting that his role as a legislator does not grant him authority over prosecutorial matters. The senator defended his contributions to the labor movement and challenged Abati to acknowledge his role in past labor protests and picketing. Oshiomhole confidently stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would win if an election were held today, defending the president’s leadership and bold steps to stabilize the country.