Benin City, Edo State – Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Senator representing Edo North in the National Assembly, visited the family of the late Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, on Thursday to offer his condolences. During the visit, he indirectly conveyed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing dispute between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu regarding the 2024 governorship election ticket. Oshiomhole, who also served as a former Governor of Edo State, emphasized that “there is no IDP camp in APC,” implying his disapproval of internal conflicts within the party.
In his remarks, Oshiomhole criticized deputy governors who find themselves at odds with their respective governors, highlighting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not a platform that can accommodate politicians who clash with their superiors. His comments appeared to underscore the need for unity within the party and discouraged internal divisions that could undermine its coherence.
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.”
The visit to the late Chief David Edebiri’s family took on a dual significance, providing an opportunity for Oshiomhole to pay his respects while also addressing the political climate in the state. As the rift between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu continues to make headlines, Oshiomhole’s words serve as a reminder of the challenges that can arise when there is discord within a political party, particularly in the run-up to a significant electoral event.
