A group, Team Alimikhena, has disclosed that the aspiration of former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, to represent the Edo North senatorial district in the Senate in 2023 will cause division among the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the zone.
In a press statement signed by the group’s Convener and Secretary, Sunny Ifijen, and Omeiza Ogumah, respectively, the group said that a repeat of what happened in the 2020 governorship election where party members worked without unity among them may happen again in Edo North, come 2023.
They said the people of the senatorial district totally accepted Oshiomhole’s leadership, but did not approve of his aspiration for the senatorial seat.
They stated that Senator Francis Alimikhena’s return to the senate would be compensation and rewarded for “his wonderful and excellent work, to keep the party together in the district”.
The group advised the former APC national chairman to take the backstage and continue with his kingmaker’s role, rather than trying to contest in the 2023 general elections.
“Oshiomhole should not allow himself to be dragged into Edo North Senatorial election race and be disgraced at the end of the day. To yield to the desire of some self-interest-seeking individuals may cost him the respect his supporters accord him.
“They have started again just like they convinced him against the wish of the masses to field the incumbent governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki in 2020.
“They have opened their fangs again to destroy the peace that has existed in the party in Edo North by trying to convince Oshiomhole to dethrone a performing Senator in the person of Francis Alimikhena.
“They are not just bent on convincing the former governor to run, but they trying in an unusual way to sow seed of discord in the harmonious relationship the two have shared over over years.
“To me, this unnecessary bickering and distrust that have rare its head because of these selfish persons can be put to rest if Oshiomhole decline to yield to their selfish demand.
“Indeed, Oshiomhole’s leadership role in the party, especially in Edo North, has been largely responsible for the party’s unity in the district and must not throw this away without stopping to reason what the effect of this demand would cost the party,” the group counselled.