Senator Adams Oshiomhole has described his removal as National Chairman of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC) as a period of significant political isolation, stating that even colleagues within his own party distanced themselves afterwards.
Speaking in Edo State during the handover of construction equipment to local governments, Oshiomhole recounted the personal impact of his 2020 dismissal from the APC’s top leadership role. He explained that many party members avoided contact with him, fearing such interactions could be misconstrued as opposition to the party.
“After I was dismissed as APC National Chairman, I became lonely, abandoned by my own party,” Oshiomhole said. “People were afraid to visit me because it could be termed anti-party.”
The former governor of Edo State credited Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike with offering a rare gesture of support during that time. He detailed how Governor Wike invited him to commission a flyover project in Port Harcourt, the state capital, and subsequently honoured him with Rivers State’s highest traditional title.
“I got a call from Governor Wike, who identifies with those who are lonely, and he invited me to commission a flyover,” Oshiomhole stated. “This minister honoured me with the highest honour of Rivers State. His support renewed my hope after I was removed from my job, even though he said he celebrated my dismissal.”
Oshiomhole’s account highlights the personal and political fallout from his contentious ouster, which followed a prolonged internal party crisis. His remarks underscore the theme of abandonment by political allies and attribute his continued public engagement to the support from a figure from a rival political bloc.
The narrative adds a personal dimension to Nigeria’s often fractious party politics, where shifting alliances can lead to swift marginalisation of senior figures. Oshiomhole’s experience following his removal reflects the broader volatility within the ruling APC and the personal risks associated with internal party conflicts.
His appearance at an APC-aligned state event—handing over equipment in Edo—signals his continued relevance within the party’s ecosystem despite the earlier rift. The reference to Governor Wike, a prominent opposition figure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further illustrates the fluid and personal nature of cross-party relationships in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Oshiomhole’s comments serve as a reflection on loyalty, marginalisation, and the unexpected sources of support that can emerge during political downturns. The episode remains a notable case study in the internal dynamics of one of Africa’s largest political parties.
