A coalition of prominent leaders and respected elders from Owan and Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in Edo State came together to vehemently oppose former governor Adams Oshiomhole’s senatorial ambition. They emphasized that the rotational arrangement within Edo North Senatorial District has always been the essence of their political representation.
In an open letter, National Coordinators of the group, Victor Umoru and Henry Ijegba, representing Akoko-Edo and Owan respectively, expressed their concerns: “Oshiomhole is a national figure and should not entangle himself in such self-centered decisions. It would be contradictory for a man hailed as selfless to disregard the customary zoning agreement merely for his own political gain.
“Oshiomhole has already made his mark in Edo politics and the outcome of the recent 2020 governorship election clearly indicated that his service is no longer required.”
They continued by stating, “Leaders do not vie for positions, they align themselves with the greater good. Oshiomhole should take pride in having produced a capable senator like Francis Alimikhena. The incumbent senator served as the savior of Edo North during the last governorship election.
“Had it not been for Senator Alimikhena’s benevolence, the APC would have faced collapse since 2020. If we must replace him, then we demand an explanation as to why another Etsako representative should take his place.
“The people of Owan and Akoko-Edo, integral parts of Edo North, will proudly utilize our PVCs (Permanent Voter Cards) to express our discontent if Oshiomhole decides to join the senatorial race. It is in our best interest to support the incumbent senator who seeks a final term, rather than endure Oshiomhole’s potential lifelong stay in the Senate, turning it into a political retirement home like other former governors,” they stated.
They further added, “If Senator Francis Alimikhena must step down, then naturally the replacement cannot come from the same Etsako ethnic group. It is simply not customary. Examples from prominent figures like Senator David Mark and George Akume can be seen as precedents.
“The incumbent senator from Edo North has proven to be the best in terms of performance and development for the Senatorial district. Every community in Edo North has benefited from various infrastructure projects. Attempting to replace Senator Alimikhena, who has brought remarkable progress to the district, would spell the ultimate demise of the APC in Edo North.
“Rather than supporting another Etsako representative against the interests of Owan and Akoko-Edo people, we wholeheartedly rally behind Senator Alimikhena for his final term. Those championing the cause of the former APC National Chairman are either trying to divide Etsako or bury the APC in Edo North.”
