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Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State, has become a notorious figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. He is known for his combative style, caustic remarks, and apparent inability to maintain consistent allegiances. Once lauded as a labour leader who fought for the common man, Oshiomhole’s political career has morphed into a toxic saga of betrayal, verbal attacks, and desperate attempts at reconciliation when the tide turns against him. His unpredictable and venomous behaviour has left him politically isolated and unfit for public office.
Throughout his career, Oshiomhole has shown a troubling pattern: he lashes out at opponents with vicious fury, only to later backtrack to mend fences when it serves his interests. Now, as his political influence continues to wane, he seeks to reinsert himself into the conversation, but his attempts at reconciliation ring hollow to those familiar with his antics.
One glaring example of Oshiomhole’s duplicity occurred during his relentless campaign against the immediate past Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo. Throughout the campaign, Oshiomhole attacked Ighodalo viciously, labelling him an outsider and questioning his ties to the community. He claimed that Ighodalo had “never lived in his village,” could not speak the local language, and even suggested that the village was inhabited by “witches and wizards.” Oshiomhole went further, accusing Ighodalo of being nothing more than a consultant “collecting money from the government.” Never, during this heated campaign, did Oshiomhole acknowledge any personal or family connection to Ighodalo.
Yet now, after the election, Oshiomhole is attempting to walk back his vicious attacks and align himself with Ighodalo. In a recent public plea, he stated, “I will use this opportunity to plead with my in-law and ask that where the boardroom has adjourned, whether the decision favours the minority shareholder or the majority shareholder, the board policy must be executed.” This sudden shift in tone is typical of Oshiomhole’s behaviour, he attacks mercilessly, and when the wind changes direction, he feigns unity.
One political commentator observed, “This is classic Oshiomhole. He goes on the offensive, burning bridges and insulting opponents. Then when the political winds shift, he tries to act like a statesman, calling for unity. It’s manipulation, plain and simple.”
Oshiomhole’s volatile nature has been evident throughout his career, particularly during his tenure as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His time at the helm was marked by feuds with key party figures, alienating allies and creating internal strife that ultimately led to his ouster in 2020. His leadership style left the APC fractured, with many senior chieftains distancing themselves from his confrontational methods.
The most publicized feud, of course, was his falling out with Governor Godwin Obaseki, his former protégé. Oshiomhole initially championed Obaseki’s candidacy for governor, but their relationship quickly deteriorated, resulting in a bitter and public war of words. Oshiomhole’s campaign to oust Obaseki from office failed, with Obaseki defecting to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and winning re-election, much to Oshiomhole’s frustration.
The public attacks Oshiomhole launched against Obaseki, calling him “ungrateful” and “disloyal”, were seen as desperate attempts to shift the blame for his own political miscalculations. In the end, Oshiomhole’s inability to accept defeat further damaged his reputation, leaving him even more isolated.
Now, with Ighodalo’ Oshiomhole is again showing his manipulative side. Despite months of maligning Ighodalo, he is attempting to build a bridge to the PDP candidate’s camp, hoping to regain some relevance, especially as Ighodalo heads to the election petition tribunal with strong evidence indicting the Independent National Electoral Commission and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for manipulating the outcome of the exercise.
Political insiders, however, see through this act. “He’s trying to beg now because he knows that in a few months, all the injustices and fraud he committed against Ighodalo will be exposed,” one observer noted.
Even the Oba of Benin once called out Oshiomhole for lying during a political visit And yet, despite these repeated public embarrassments, Oshiomhole continues his pattern of attack, betrayal, and attempted reconciliation.
Oshiomhole’s legacy is one of toxicity, manipulation, and a refusal to maintain any consistent political stance. His history of betraying allies and launching vicious attacks against his opponents, only to later attempt reconciliation, has left him politically radioactive. Even in the APC, few politicians today are willing to associate with him, recognizing the danger of aligning with someone so unpredictable.
Ultimately, Oshiomhole’s days as a powerbroker in Nigerian politics are coming to an end. His venomous tactics and manipulative strategies have alienated allies and enemies alike, leaving him isolated and without influence. For those who have watched his career, the message is clear: beware the venomous serpent, for his bite is deadly, and his loyalty is fleeting.
Osemekhian, a former student union leader, writes from Benin City.
