Benin City, Edo State – Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Senator representing Edo North at the National Assembly, visited the family of the late Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, to offer his condolences on Thursday. During the visit, Oshiomhole indirectly conveyed his disapproval of the ongoing conflict between Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. The feud centers around the 2024 governorship election ticket in the state.
In a veiled statement, Oshiomhole asserted that “there is no IDP camp in APC,” alluding to the fact that the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not have room for internal discord. The former Governor of Edo State criticized deputy governors who find themselves in conflict with their superiors, emphasizing that the party cannot accommodate politicians who clash with their leaders.
The statement comes as a stern rebuke amidst the political tension in Edo State, hinting at the importance of unity and cohesion within the party. Oshiomhole’s remarks underscore the party’s stance on maintaining a harmonious relationship between leaders and their deputies, especially in light of the upcoming governorship election.
According to Oshiomhole, ” …What I read about somebody going to court to complain about being suspected of being impeached, I don’t know how courts adjudicate over suspicion.“But let me say this, to say that somebody wants to run to the APC, I want to say APC is not a rehabilitation centre. I can tell you that for free.
“We in APC are satisfied the way we are; we are happy in opposition and we are not about to receive people who are coming because they have lost out. I want to say that there is no IDP camp in APC.“So, my advice is that those who are having challenges, should learn how to respect their bosses. I have always advised people that whoever you work with, be loyal.
“Regardless of party divide, it is my wish for Edo to be governed in peace and harmony because the supra party to which we all belong to is the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the political parties even the rate of camping and decamping and re-camping shows that the only thing that is constant is Nigeria and not the political parties.
“I was here and I was unable to support my deputy to succeed me, but my deputy never took me to court. And if there are people who always profit from crises, they cannot have my support.
“Regardless of what anybody will say, I come from only one of the clans in my local government, it will be nice if only my clan produce the governor but I know that Nigeria doesn’t work that way, there are those sentiments that people think that at this level of our development, the thing should go round.”
Oshiomhole’s visit to offer condolences took on a broader significance as he addressed the prevailing political situation. His comments reflect the party’s expectations for its members to work collaboratively and avoid internal divisions that could undermine its prospects in future elections.