Edo gov’ship: Undermining Oshiomhole threat to APC chances – Ex-minority leader

A former Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Benjamin Olajina, has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against undermining a former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state, saying doing so will not be in its interest.

Recall that Oshiomhole’s anointed candidate, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, had clinched the party’s ticket during the first primary election conducted on February 17, 2024, which also produced Hon. Anamero Dekeri and Senator Monday Okpebholo as candidates from different locations in Benin, the Edo State capital.

Following the criticisms that trailed the exercise, the party conducted another primary on February 22, 2024, where Senator Monday Okpebholo, was declared winner by the chairman of the primary election committee and Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu.

Senator Okpebholo defeated Oshiomhole’s annointed, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and 10 others to clinch the party’s ticket.

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Since then, many have said Oshiomhole is no longer in charge of the affairs of the APC in the state.

But Benjamin Olajina, who spoke with newsmen at the weekend in Benin, said Oshiomhole remains the leader of the party in the state.

He said, “Those who believe they have succeeded in demystifying Oshiomhole must heed caution because the child who strips his father naked in the village square must pray not to become a father himself.

“The outcome of the 2024 Edo State governorship election will depend on the strength of the candidate, the running mate, and the unity of all leaders under Oshiomhole.

“Any deviation from this path of unity and cohesion will inevitably lead to failure at the polls.”

The former member of the state assembly said the success of the APC in the forthcoming election rests on the collective effort of all party members, stressing the need for solidarity and cohesion under Oshiomhole’s leadership.

He also dispelled claims regarding federal might, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not interfere in the electoral process in favour of the APC.