Arise TV Morning Show hosts, Reuben Abati and Rufai Oseni, on Thursday clashed during a live broadcast over comments made by Oseni concerning the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Sandy Onor.
The disagreement followed a discussion on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his recent declaration that he would work to deliver Rivers State and the FCT to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike, a former Rivers State governor and a prominent PDP figure, had said he was in charge of the political structure in Rivers State and the FCT and would ensure Tinubu’s victory in both territories.
Reacting to the development, Rufai criticised Wike for openly supporting Tinubu despite the existence of a PDP presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
The journalist questioned why Wike, who remains a national leader of the PDP, would campaign for the candidate of another political party rather than support his party’s presidential flagbearer.
In expressing his criticism, Oseni alleged that the PDP presidential candidate had been reduced to a “Gbewudani,” a Yoruba expression he explained as meaning “hold my clothes.”
The comment immediately drew a caution from Abati, who warned his colleague against making statements that could be considered defamatory.
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“You will get a lawsuit. The issue is the ‘Gbewudani’; you cannot damage the integrity of people,” Abati cautioned.
Rufai, however, stood by his position and argued that Wike’s declaration amounted to undermining the PDP’s presidential candidate.
“You cannot say that there is a PDP candidate and you are openly saying that you are going to support Tinubu. That means you are making a mockery of the PDP candidate,” Rufai said.
The exchange highlighted the growing political tensions within the PDP as the 2027 general elections approach, particularly over Wike’s continued opposition to the party’s direction and his support for Tinubu.
Wike has repeatedly maintained that he would not support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is also seeking the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and has publicly declared his intention to work for Tinubu’s re-election.