A former Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Benjamin Olajina, has hinted that sidelining Adams Oshiomhole may limit the chances of the All Progressives Congress in the governorship race in the state.
Recall that Oshiomhole had served as governor of Edo State between 2008 and 2016 and he played a vital role in the emergence of Godwin Obaseki as the next governor of the state.
The Minority Leader cautioned the APC to work in line with the former governor with the view to gaining the governorship seat ahead of September 21 poll.
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, according to Daily Trust.
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.
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.”
