Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), arguing that Atiku has failed to demonstrate the leadership required to govern Nigeria.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Monday, the former Edo State Governor said Atiku’s long-standing struggles within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) undermine his claims of being capable of fixing the country.
Oshiomhole, who once served as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said Atiku had not shown the ability to provide direction in the PDP despite his years of influence in the opposition party.
“If Atiku, as a former vice-president under the PDP, could not fix the PDP or provide the leadership needed to rebuild it, how can he lay claim to fixing Nigeria?” he asked.
He also recalled Atiku’s exit from the APC, saying the former vice president only left the ruling party after failing to secure the presidential ticket.
“He was once a member of the APC. He left because he lost the party’s presidential ticket,” he said.
Oshiomhole added that Atiku’s return to the PDP was driven mainly by his political ambition, noting that the party that made him vice president has remained unstable under his influence.
“If Atiku can’t build the PDP that made him vice-president, he can’t fix Nigeria,” he said.
Atiku joined the ADC four months after resigning from the PDP, citing unresolved internal disputes within the party.
During the programme, Oshiomhole also took aim at former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of poor judgement during his time in office.
He criticised Amaechi’s handling of the Rivers State judiciary crisis and questioned the decision to prioritise the railway line to Niger Republic over key Nigerian routes.
“Rotimi Amaechi is the most terrible.
“He shut down the Rivers judiciary because he wanted to appoint his preferred candidate as chief judge.
“The judiciary was closed for almost two years,” Oshiomhole said.
He further faulted Amaechi’s management of Nigeria’s railway sector during his eight-year tenure.
“He couldn’t get the priorities right.
“Instead of focusing on Kano or Port Harcourt, where he is from, he chose to build a rail line to Niger Republic. Which goods are we sending to Niger?” he asked.
Oshiomhole added that Amaechi enjoyed full support under President Muhammadu Buhari.
“If you were a minister under Buhari, you would be fair to him because he gave everyone he appointed a free hand to do their job,” he said.
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