Ex-Edo commissioners reject Oshiomhole’s senatorial ambition

Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declared his intention to contest for the Edo North senatorial district on April 4.

But James and Idehen, in a joint statement they personally signed yesterday, said they were pitching their tent with incumbent Senator Francis Alimikhena. They said Alimikhena’s re-election would guarantee a bigger deal for the district.

The statement reads: “Edo North APC youths should work in synergy with their leaders to ensure victory for Alimikhena. To show the seriousness attached to Alimikhena’s re-election, his campaign organisation has been strengthened and our principal is the first to obtain the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.

“At my age and with my pedigree, I cannot deceive my own people. I owe it a duty to lead rightly and Alimikhena is the right person for 2023 Senate, Idehen said.”

APC leader in Akoko-Edo, Ayo Olowojoba, said supporting Oshiomhole would drag the district backward. “We cannot be dragging Afemai backward by allowing a new person to go to senate. We will deliver Alimikhena by our unity, especially the Owan and Akoko-Edos,” he said.