Why Atiku Abubakar Should Write a Book on Political Betrayal - Oshiomhole Fires Shots | READ DETAILS

In what many have described as a bold swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has labelled him Nigeria's most consistent and celebrated political defector, suggesting the PDP presidential candidate should consider authoring a book titled "The Art of Defection."

Speaking during a recent episode of Channels Television's Politics Today, the former APC National Chairman did not hold back as he traced Atiku's well-documented pattern of party switches, using it as a counter-argument to claims of disunity within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

"But let me remind you," Oshiomhole said pointedly, "that the most popular political defector in Nigeria's history is His Excellency Atiku Abubakar."

The senator from Edo North questioned why Atiku-then a sitting Vice President-defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action Congress (AC), which was led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the time, without any pressure from state governors or the ruling elite.

"Was Atiku coerced by Tinubu to join ACN? Did any state governor force him to dump PDP?" Oshiomhole queried.

He went on to accuse Atiku of being driven by personal ambition rather than ideological loyalty, calling his political zigzagging a self-serving pattern that has no bearing on national interest or reform.

Atiku's political journey is well known: from PDP in 1998, to Action Congress in 2006; back to PDP in 2009; jumping to APC in 2014; and returning again to PDP in 2017. Oshiomhole reminded viewers that the former Vice President had not just moved between parties, but had actively sought presidential tickets in almost every one.

"Who forced him to leave APC and return to PDP to contest against Jonathan? And when he lost, who invited him again to come back to APC and run against Buhari?" Oshiomhole asked rhetorically.

Taking a dig at Atiku's political memoir potential, he added:

"I think the best person who can write a comprehensive book on political defection is Atiku Abubakar."

The remarks have sparked political debate nationwide, with many Nigerians divided on whether Atiku's numerous party shifts represent strategic flexibility or a lack of political conviction.

As of press time, Atiku Abubakar has not publicly responded to Oshiomhole's comments.