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A tense moment unfolded on Arise News ‘Morning Show’ this morning as presenter Rufai Oseni clashed with former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, over party loyalty, defection, and the politics of 2027, turning a routine interview into a fiery debate on ambition and constitutional rights.
Oseni, who appeared to be a sponsored agent of Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and is notorious for constantly trying to bully his guests on television, met his match today. Aondoakaa, who recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), repeatedly pushed back against attempts to link his decision to Governor Alia.
“Well, thank you very much. I have told you that Governor Alia is not a factor in my decision. And the Constitution guarantees my decision,” Aondoakaa stated firmly. He insisted he has the freedom of association and the right to join any political party of his choice, adding that it has nothing to do with Governor Alia. “I want you to make it clear that Governor Alia has his own popularity, which will be tested at the election. There is nothing for me to say that I should do things in my own way.”
Aondoakaa further challenged Oseni’s line of questioning, asking why joining the PDP now is automatically assumed to be because of Alia. “Am I contesting with Alia in PDP? Why do you always feel that anybody who wishes or seeks to do anything differently is antagonizing Governor Alia? No, that cannot be the true position. As an individual, I am entitled to pursue my ambition in consonance with people I believe are like-minded.”
When Oseni interrupted and tried to bring up Governor Alia again, Aondoakaa shut it down sharply. “I cautioned you that I did not come to discuss Governor Alia. What we came to discuss was the congresses. I am no longer a member of the party (APC). I am no longer in a position to conduct primaries with Governor Alia. So why are you trying to label me with Governor Alia when nothing like that exists? What game are you trying to play?”
Aondoakaa also clarified his earlier mention of President Bola Tinubu, explaining that he only referenced the President’s robust foundation laid across party lines through the removal of fuel subsidy, which has made development faster and given states resources without begging banks for salaries. He noted that the present governor of Anambra State, one of the most renowned economists, has also acknowledged this achievement.
The heated exchange highlighted Aondoakaa’s firm stance on his constitutional right to political association and his refusal to have his ambition tied to Governor Alia. The interview ended with Aondoakaa maintaining that he is not the first to make such references and that his decision is purely personal and in line with the law.
