TheNewsGuru

Tag: Oshiomhole

  • Oshiomhole, Ayinde and Emmason – Nigerian three faces of justice – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    Oshiomhole, Ayinde and Emmason – Nigerian three faces of justice – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    Scene 1

    Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole – former President of the Nigerian Labour Congress [NLC], a two-time Executive Governor of Edo State, former Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, and currently a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, kick-started this very ugly topic – albeit interpretation of Nigeria’s appropriate justice for breach of Rules and Regulation.

    It was Wednesday, June 11, 2025, that the news of how the erudite Senator did something “dishonourably” at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, in Lagos – albeit disruption to Air Peace operations at the airport, got broken. And it was a major news break – the type that seasoned journalist would call scoop.  

    Senator Oshiomhole, in a video clip that went viral, was seen, leading a few other passengers, in confronting Air Peace staff at the airport that Wednesday morning. What became so salient was the fact that the Senator was seen, allegedly disrupting the checking-in process of the airline for passengers heading to Abuja, on the scheduled 0630 hours flight.

    Of course, Oshiomhole had his side of the story – the ugly scene, to tell. And he told it. Let us better listen to his side of his story before drawing the curtain on Scene 1 of this movie. 

    But before listening to “Oshio Baba”, it would remain a better intelligence’s display to here directly from the airline – Air Peace.

    “In line with our standard on-time departure policy, the boarding process had closed, and the flight departed as scheduled. Upon being informed of the missed flight, the politician (senator) resorted to violence, physically assaulting our staff and forcibly barricading the terminal’s entrance”.

    ‘’He went as far as sealing the entry gate and manning the access point, effectively obstructing other passengers from gaining entry into the terminal. This unacceptable behaviour caused significant disruption to ongoing operations and affected numerous travellers scheduled for various flights. To minimise further inconvenience, Air Peace swiftly activated an operational contingency plan to board affected passengers through an alternate terminal, ensuring the continuity of their travel plans. We are deeply saddened that such a high-profile figure displayed conduct so unbecoming and disruptive to fellow passengers and our personnel”.

    ‘’Air Peace maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence or any form of aggression against our staff and passengers. We urge all guests to remain civil and cooperative at all times. Aviation operations are bound by strict timelines and safety protocols, and we remain committed to upholding these standards while delivering safe and timely services to the Nigerian public. Air Peace continues to stand for discipline, integrity, and respect for due process. No individual, no matter how influential, is above these values.”

    Then Oshiomhole’s statement.

    “I booked Air Peace… They delayed the flight for over five hours. In the end, they announced a cancellation. I had to get another ticket. Yesterday (Tuesday), I booked a flight for 6:30 a.m., which is their first flight today (yesterday).

    ‘’I booked and asked them to check me in online, which I did, along with two other Ghanaians who met me in Lagos. We checked in online just to avoid the last-minute issues I’ve had with them a couple of times.

    “I got there at about five minutes past six. They told me the counter was closed. I told them, ‘No, I’ve already checked in.’ I showed them the evidence of my online check-in. Even before then, they had asked if I had checked in, and I told them yes, and that I had no luggage. They looked at it but still said the gate had been closed. Meanwhile, I noticed they were still taking other people in.

    “So, I asked, ‘How can you close boarding for a 6:30 flight at 6:05? What is the purpose of online check-in, then?’ If I had to go through another check-in process, then what’s the point of checking in online?

    “While speaking to them, I saw many men and women who had been there even before me, with similar experiences. Basically, they were selling tickets on the spot at higher prices. I’ll give you an example”.

    A lady bought her ticket for N146,000 online. She arrived at the airport at 5:55 a.m. for the 6:30 a.m. flight, after the gatemen had delayed her.

    “They told her she was late and that the counter had closed for check-in. She said that was impossible, as it wasn’t even 6:00 a.m. They told her she would be put on the next flight. She protested, saying, ‘Why? Put me on this flight.’ But they told her the flight was full, and she would have to wait.

    “Meanwhile, the airline was selling tickets on the spot for between N200,000 and N300,000. To take advantage of the situation, they discouraged those who had bought tickets online at lower rates and sold to people willing to pay more.

    “I asked the manager, ‘What is this woman’s crime? She has a baby that’s no more than six months old. How can you refuse to board her when the aircraft is still on the ground and more people are buying tickets?’ You cannot continue like this. Tomorrow, everyone will blame the government. You have regulatory agencies, and they are all compromising. You cannot board people buying tickets on the spot and deny those who booked days ago or checked in online.

    “By the time the DSS and Air Force personnel came to find out what happened, they intervened and offered to put the woman on the next flight—the same offer they had made to me earlier. But to board that next flight, they told her she would have to pay

    N109,100. This was in addition to the original N146,000 ticket, meaning she would spend about N256,000 for a one-hour flight to Abuja. There were many others in the same situation, and everyone was shouting at the airport.

    “I said to the manager, ‘You must follow the rules.’ Many people were stranded, except those who could afford another ticket. I followed the woman to the counter and told her to do whatever they asked. Those of us who were also prevented from flying gathered there. Even when an officer offered me access to a lounge, people around said, ‘Comrade, please don’t leave—this is how they’ve been treating us.’

    “I had to send that woman N500,000. That’s basically what happened. I told them this cannot be allowed. I checked in online and arrived on time. The aircraft hadn’t taken off. I’m not supposed to check in twice. The rowdiness arose because many people were denied boarding while tickets were being sold on the spot to others.” 

    One thing for sure that we should acknowledge about Scene1of this episode is that there is a video clip, showing the Nigerian Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, physically jumping across, or working across, something looking like a convey belt, and also blocking the process of checking-in, which was anything nearer to “honourable action or behaviour”. 

    The federal government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, spoke of investigating the reported incident, but alas, nothing had been heard since then. Such itself is expected to be the outcome, because a big man, in the personality of the Senator, was involved – just the way the Nigerian-big-man-syndrome’s cookie crumbles. 

    We should be moving to Scene 2 of this disastrous drama’s presentation within the next 48 hours, but we have to draw the curtain here, at least, for now – and for a purpose, albeit avoiding too lengthy presentation, as this is likely to constitute danger of boredom setting in.   

    Let us expect Scene 2, under continuation, of this this story within the 48 hours. The Guru shall be back.

  • Edo poll: Oshiomhole keeps mum on PDP’s petition hearing at tribunal

    Edo poll: Oshiomhole keeps mum on PDP’s petition hearing at tribunal

    Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, on Friday, refrained from making comments on the ongoing hearing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s petition at the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

    Oshiomhole, who represents the Edo North Senatorial District, refused to comment on his observation of the proceedings while fielding questions from newsmen.

    “You know you don’t comment on matters in court. I came to watch, to observe the proceedings and I am satisfied that the proceedings are going well.

    “It is not for me to do any evaluation that is the prerogative and absolute responsibility of the tribunal.

    “Well, I cannot comment on it,” he simply responded.

    NAN reports that the hearing of the petition filed by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, continued with the presentation of  their 16th witness.

    The witness, Haruna Ibrahim, told Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel that he served as a polling unit agent during the Sept. 21, 2024 election that was held in the state.

    He told the tribunal that though the election was properly conducted, he observed some irregularities in the form of over-voting and immediately complained to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the polling unit.

    Ibrahim mounted the box shortly after Oshiomhole, who is also a former governor of Edo, arrived at the venue of the tribunal to show solidarity with Gov. Monday Okpebholo.

    Okpebholo is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who was declared the winner of the governorship contest by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The immediate-past Deputy Governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu, who had since defected from the PDP to the APC, was also at the tribunal to observe proceedings.

    NAN reports that the tribunal had, on Thursday, admitted in evidence, 148 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System Machines (BVAS) that were used during the conduct of the disputed governorship poll.

    The electronic devices were tendered by a Senior Technical Officer in the ICT Department of INEC, Anthony Itodo, and admitted in evidence by the panel.

    The petitioners had subpoenaed INEC to produce the BVAS machines that were used in 133 polling units where election results are being disputed.

    INEC had declared that Okpebholo of the APC secured a total of 291, 667 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ighodalo of the PDP, who got a total of 247, 655 votes.

    Dissatisfied with the outcome of the poll, the PDP and its candidate approached the tribunal, praying it to nullify INEC’s declaration of the APC and Okpebholo as winners of the contest.

    The petitioners, among other things, contended that the governorship election was invalid because of alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

  • We know retired generals carrying out llegal mining across the country – Oshiomhole alleges

    We know retired generals carrying out llegal mining across the country – Oshiomhole alleges

    The Senator representing Edo North in the National Assembly, Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that retired military generals are behind illegal mining across the country.

    Oshiomhole, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, made the allegation on Friday when the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Sampson Ekong, submitted his 2025 budget report before the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

    The former Governor of Edo State, who is a member of the Appropriations Committee, said the retired military generals are known to him and everyone.

    He also recalled a letter he wrote to former President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue of illegal mining when he was in office.

    “This is because a team that I sent to go and conduct the primary somewhere reported back to me the challenge of conducting primary elections in Zamfara because of the illegal miners.

    “If we have to fight this menace, we need to deploy the Army even to kill anyone who is involved in the illegal pumping of oil. We should also deploy JTFs, comprising the Army, Police, and Air force, against them.”

    According to PUNCH, Oshiomhole said the country’s efforts to diversify its economy would remain a mirage if President Bola Tinubu’s administration failed to address the issue of illegal mining.

    The panel agreed with Oshiomhole’s submissions and urged various security agencies to take up the challenge.

  • Edo poll: Oshiomhole dismisses allegation of vote-buying against APC

    Edo poll: Oshiomhole dismisses allegation of vote-buying against APC

    Former Governor of Edo, Adams Oshiomole on Saturday dismissed  allegation against the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged vote buying in the ongoing governorship election in the state.

    Oshiomhole stated this  while speaking with newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Iyamho, Ward 10 Unit 01 in Estako West Local Government Area of Edo.

    “It is laughable when I hear this kind of allegation. You all have been monitoring the process, have you seen where they are sharing money?

    “People turned out in large number to vote for us because they want good government.

    “During our campaign people came out to see me not because I wanted to give them something, but because of what I have done for them while I was in the office as the governor,” he said.

    The former governor who is also the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District of the state, said he had not received any report of violence from anywhere across the state.

    He expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of the election across the state, while also commending the elderly ones for turning out to vote at the election.

    According to him, their decision is borne out of their desire to see a better Edo for their children.

    “I am very enthusiastic to see the elderly ones coming out to vote in this election.

    “This shows their resolve to see their children having better life,” he added.

  • Angry Edo PDP guber candidate, Ighodalo files N20bn defamatory suit against Oshiomhole

    Angry Edo PDP guber candidate, Ighodalo files N20bn defamatory suit against Oshiomhole

    Angry candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo has filed a N20 billion defamatory suit against Senator Adams Oshiomhole over comments on Planwell scheme.

    Ighodalo through his counsel, Ayo Asala (SAN) & Associates, also sought an immediate and unqualified retraction and apology for the false, defamatory, and malicious comments which should be published in at least two (2) National Television Networks and three (3) nationally circulating newspapers.

    The PDP candidate noted that the allegations by Oshiomhole were baseless, false, and malicious, describing them as another of such defamatory fabrications and statements made by the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District in the recent past.

    He added that the fabrication of the unfounded and false story is a figment of Oshiomhole’s imagination, intended to denigrate his good character and reputation for the political purpose of advancing the sinking fortunes of Oshiomhole’s party and candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.

    A letter by Ighodalo’s lawyers dated September 16, 2024, and addressed to Oshiomhole reads, “We are counsel to Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who is the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming Edo State Governorship election.

  • ‘I ask for your forgiveness’ – Oshiomhole begs Igbinedion

    ‘I ask for your forgiveness’ – Oshiomhole begs Igbinedion

    Former governor of Edo, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, has publicly sought forgiveness from Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, for any past wrongs during his tenure as governor.

    During a goodwill message at the banquet celebrating Igbinedion’s 90th birthday on Saturday in Benin, Oshiomhole described Igbinedion as a good father

    He praised the elder statesman’s contributions to society and took the opportunity to seek atonement.

    He said, “You brought together people from all parts of the country; North, South, East, and West and across political and religious divides.”

    Oshiomhole publicly recognized the crucial support he received from Igbinedion during his political career.

    “I want to publicly acknowledge your support for me in 2007 and 2008, without which I might never have become the governor of Edo State.”

    He also expressed gratitude for the advice and guidance Igbinedion provided, both known and unknown to him, over the years.

    “As a Catholic, I want to confess that I might have done some things I shouldn’t have done as governor.

    “At 90, it is only right that I ask for your forgiveness for any of my actions that may have irritated you.”

    He compared Igbinedion’s vast influence and large number of supporters to a parent with many children, some of whom inevitably cause frustration.

    “That is the challenge of having too many children; you have tall ones, short ones, big ones, and small ones.

    “And the small one turn out to be one of those that caused you harm”.

    He continued, “I have always looked for one opportunity to say to the Esama of the universe that I am sorry for any of the things that i said knowingly or unknowingly or any of the things that I did that a son should never have done to a father.

    “On your 90th birthday, I ask for your forgiveness, and I pray that you grant it.”

    He lightheartedly reflected on parenthood, stating, “The only way to avoid children doing things you don’t like is not to have any.

    “But with as many children as God has blessed you with, some are bound to irritate you.

    “Even me that have six children, sometimes I wonder why they do the things that I do not approve of.

    “Having said that, I am believing that you have forgiven me and I feel now able to reunite and hug my own brother, Lucky Igbinedion.”

    He also lauded the Esama’s visionary leadership in establishing Nigeria’s first private university and other ventures that had brought the country international recognition.

  • MANI IMARU: Okpebheolo and Oshiomhole: The Truth about providing insecurity comes out

    MANI IMARU: Okpebheolo and Oshiomhole: The Truth about providing insecurity comes out

    By Mani Imaru

    Senator Monday Okpebhelo is being hailed in some sections of the polity for being truthful in opening up on his plans or even lack of it for the citizenry in Edo State.

    His truthful gesture came out after he boldly told supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC while campaigning in Ovia North Local Government Area last Thursday of his plans to provide insecurity for them.

    He said: “We’re going to provide you with insecurity,” he declared, inadvertently promising the opposite of safety that the people desire.

    Some have mocked him and the APC that he let slip what they claim as the evil that the APC has foisted on Nigeria. Others, however, disagree saying that Okpebhelo spoke out of ignorance.

    As he made his election pledge of providing insecurity to the people, party leaders who normally are always around to guide and guard him were shocked. The first to respond was Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who quietly tapped him to correct him.

    Oshiomhole apparently told him that he had missed the script that may have been rehearsed.

    Why Okpebhelo missed the script has not been immediately disclosed and calls on him to clarify what he meant have been unheeded.

    APC propagandists are now spreading the word that Okpebehlo meant to say that he was going to provide e-security. It is a phrase that he is yet to explain and hopefully should do at the forthcoming governorship debate among the major candidates

    A video has also been circulated where Senator Okpebhelo came out also saying the correct thing to wit, that he will provide security is now being desperately circulated by APC partisans.

    He made the correct phrase after he was nudged by Comrade Oshiomhole. Those who watched the video in Ovia North are now saying that it justifies the claim that if Okpebhelo is elected governor that he will be handled by folks like Oshiomhole who will control him and direct him on what to do and not to do.

    For the majority of the people of Edo State a third term for Oshiomhole is not what they canvassed for and Okpebhelo has demonstrated that he is the quickest route to that plan. Edo people now have a choice between returning Oshiomhole or moving forward.

    *Mani Imaru, a public affairs analyst wrote from Auchi

  • Edo in panic mode over alleged attack on Oshiomhole, Minister

    Edo in panic mode over alleged attack on Oshiomhole, Minister

    The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo is expressing concern over an alleged plot to intimidate voters in the state in the guise of staged attacks on All Progressives Congress, APC chieftains including Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

    The plot according to PDP sources, follows feelers of a plot by the APC to engineer a police state ahead of the governorship election the PDP officials claim, will allow the APC to manipulate the election.

    Credible sources in the PDP allude to what they say as feelers of reports that Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the minster of Niger Delta, Hon Abubakar Momoh were recently attacked in Edo State.

    A PDP source while denying the claim said that Oshiomhole was neither attacked nor harassed as being claimed.

    “We are hearing that Oshiomhole and the minister of Niger Delta were attacked in Edo North. We are shocked to hear such a fabrication as we know that nothing like that happened, so the rumour or whatever it is, is a complete fabrication.

    “At best we know that it is all part of the plot by the APC to instigate a police state that will allow them to manipulate the election.

    “You remember that a former APC vice-chairman, Chief Francis Inegbeniki who recently dumped the APC because of their candidate has also reealed that while he was in the APC that the party had been plotting to rig the election. We believe that this is part of the plot.

    “We can assure Oshiomhole and the few people following him that Edo is safe and we challenge his candidate to go anywhere to speak on what he wants to do for Edo.”

    Speaking on Arise News television on Thursday evening, Mr Ighodalo had expressed concern over what he alleged as the bias by the police against his supporters.

    He alleged that several of his supporters had been arrested some for weeks without being charged to court.

    “In the last couple of weeks, the police have been arresting our supporters without basis. The principle of the law is that if you arrest somebody you should charge them to court within 24 hours and if you don’t find anything to charge them, you release them.”*Apprehension in Edo over alleged attack on Oshiomhole, Minister*

     

    The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo is expressing concern over an alleged plot to intimidate voters in the state in the guise of staged attacks on All Progressives Congress, APC chieftains including Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

    The plot according to PDP sources, follows feelers of a plot by the APC to engineer a police state ahead of the governorship election the PDP officials claim, will allow the APC to manipulate the election.

    Credible sources in the PDP allude to what they say as feelers of reports that Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the minster of Niger Delta, Hon Abubakar Momoh were recently attacked in Edo State.

    A PDP source while denying the claim said that Oshiomhole was neither attacked nor harassed as being claimed.

    “We are hearing that Oshiomhole and the minister of Niger Delta were attacked in Edo North. We are shocked to hear such a fabrication as we know that nothing like that happened, so the rumour or whatever it is, is a complete fabrication.

    “At best we know that it is all part of the plot by the APC to instigate a police state that will allow them to manipulate the election.

    “You remember that a former APC vice-chairman, Chief Francis Inegbeniki who recently dumped the APC because of their candidate has also reealed that while he was in the APC that the party had been plotting to rig the election. We believe that this is part of the plot.

    “We can assure Oshiomhole and the few people following him that Edo is safe and we challenge his candidate to go anywhere to speak on what he wants to do for Edo.”

    Speaking on Arise News television on Thursday evening, Mr Ighodalo had expressed concern over what he alleged as the bias by the police against his supporters.

    He alleged that several of his supporters had been arrested some for weeks without being charged to court.

    “In the last couple of weeks, the police have been arresting our supporters without basis. The principle of the law is that if you arrest somebody you should charge them to court within 24 hours and if you don’t find anything to charge them, you release them.”

  • Edo: PDP campaign DG derides Oshiomhole, Okpebholo over Federal roads

    Edo: PDP campaign DG derides Oshiomhole, Okpebholo over Federal roads

    All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpehello and former governor of the state, Senator Adams Oshiomhole have been mocked over their alleged indifference to the state of federal roads in the state.

    The director-general of the Asue Ighodalo Campaign, Hon Matthew Iduoriyekemwen called out the two APC senators at a campaign rally in Ekpoma just as party chiefs lamented what they claimed as the bid by Oshiomhole to foist an unintelligible governor on the state to achieve his personal desires.

    Speaking in pidgin English on the state of the road, Iduoriyekemwen, a former member of the Edo State House of Assembly lamented the state of federal roads saying that the two APC senators, Oshiomhole and Okpebhello were indifferent to the conditions and as such failed to put them as part of their constitutency projects.

    “Look at our federal roads in Edo. All the time I used to travel to Abuja it used to take me five to six hours to travel to Abuja from Benin, but now from Auchi to Benin can take you up to nine hours.

    “Oshiomhole is a senator, Okpebholo is a senator instead of them to divert their constituency projects to work on the roads they refused. Now they say that they want to buy our future.”

    The rally was also attended by Governor Godwin Obaseki who urged the voters to vote for Ighodalo so he could build on the legacy that his administration had laid.

    According to Governor Obaseki, a blueprint for the development of the state for the next 30 years had been established and he as such vote for Ighodalo who he said was best positioned to sustain the development agenda.

    The state PDP chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi also rallied party supporters to be steadfast in their support and not to allow the opportunity of producing the governor slip from them.

    In his own address, Ighodalo vowed to ensure that the manifesto which he said was garnered from discussions with stakeholders across the different wards in the state was fully implemented.

    He disclaimed claims by political opponents who he said were using the name of President Bola Tinubu to intimidate voters and state agencies with the intention of rigging the election. Ighodalo said that Tinubu is a democrat who will not use the apparatus of the state to foist partisan political agenda.

  • Edo 2024: The Oshiomhole factor in Ize-Iyamu withdrawal from APC primaries – By Ehichioya Ezomon

    Edo 2024: The Oshiomhole factor in Ize-Iyamu withdrawal from APC primaries – By Ehichioya Ezomon

    Taking a final perusal of this article on Friday, February 16, the journalistic instinct to seek the latest news or what’s become known as “breaking news” prompted me to ferret for updates on the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the next day, February 17, to pick a candidate for the September 21, 2024, governorship in Edo State.

    I wasn’t expecting anything spectacular other than reports on how prepared was the six-member primary election committee, headed by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, to conduct a credible and transparent election acceptable to the 12 cleared aspirants, their supporters and members of the APC, especially in the Edo State chapter.

    But what I got, as first reported by The Nation, was an unbelievable newsflash, entitled: “BREAKING: Ize-Iyamu withdraws from APC primary for Edo guber election,” with no cogent reason by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu for his unexpected withdrawal from the race he’d run twice in 2016 and 2019 on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC, respectively.

    As reported later by Concord News Online, Mr Ize-Iyamu “bowed to pressures” from some top members of the APC to step down his decades-long ambition to be governor, and has subsequently “thrown his support” behind Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC, Edo Central) “in line with the party’s tacit decision to zone the governorship to Edo Central, which is yet to produce a governor since the return to democratic rule in 1999, after Senator Oserheimen Osunbor’s brief stint between 2007 and 2008.”

    Though Mr Ize-Iyamu, a cleric of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), previously fell short to clinch the governorship, his prospects for a third attempt looked brighter in 2024, and he exuded that confidence when he dismissed as “rumours” the alleged disqualification of over 24 APC aspirants by a “screening and pruning committee” traced to the handiwork of Senator and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    Arriving at the Benin airport on January 20 from a parley with the APC leadership in Abuja, Ize-Iyamu told a huge crowd of supporters and some APC leaders that “there is nothing to worry about,” as he’d obtain the nomination forms the next week, and contest and win the primaries and the election.
    “The highest organ of our party issued a statement, particularly on Edo governorship election, and specifically said that all those who have aspiration to run for governorship should go and collect the forms,” Ize-Iyamu said.

    He noted that when you are contesting for an election, “there are bound to be intrigues and all kinds of rumours and stories,” adding that, “I know there were rumours that some people have been excluded but by that NWC release, that is not possible anymore.”

    “The only people that can exclude aspirants is the committee set up by the NWC. Let me announce that by next week, I will collect the form. And I want to assure you that I will contest and win the election,” Ize-Iyamu said.

    It took the intervention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to quell the ensuing angst, and restore the confidence of the aspirants, including Ize-Iyamu, who the “Oshiomhole committee” had “disqualified” in an alleged bid to foist an “anointed candidate” on members of the APC.

    Ize-Iyamu, in his statement of withdrawal from the governorship on the eve of the primaries, obliquely referred to the alleged Oshiomhole scheming, and intervention of the APC leadership to right the wrong therefrom. It reads in part:

    “I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent. I appreciate the commendable effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself, had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest.

    “The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.

    “Having been cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and national levels.

    “I humbly appeal to the good people of Edo state to accept my decision which is very personal and I promise to be there for them at all times.

    “Thankfully, I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s national leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state working committee for their principled stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants.

    “I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organization who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness and courage.

    “Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow.”

    The poser: If the APC leadership had righted the wrong caused by the “Oshiomhole committee,” and Ize-Iyamu obtained the nomination forms, screened and cleared for the primaries he’d said he’d win, what influenced or induced his sudden withdrawal from the governorship race?

    If the reported “tacit zoning” of the APC ticket to Edo Central were true – contrary to earlier declaration by the party – it means Ize-Iyamu’s seen as the aspirant capable of halting the process, and should be stopped from the primaries he’s primed to win!

    Well, by Saturday when the primaries were supposed to be in progress, reports spoke of non-availability of APC officials and materials for voting, while another aspirant and former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen withdrew from the race, citing “the interest of peace and unity of our great party” as reason for pulling out of the governorship election.

    In a statement, captioned, “My highly esteemed supporters,” Imasuen said: “I write to you today (February 16) with a heavy heart to announce my decision to withdraw from the gubernatorial primaries of our great party scheduled for tomorrow, 17th February 2024 in the interest of peace and unity of our great party.

    “I have come to the conclusion that since our national working committee(NWC), in their wisdom, have expressed their preference for zoning the governorship position to Edo Central Senatorial district, it’s wise to align with the decision of the party.

    “I am immensely grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me throughout this journey. Your dedication and passion have been the driving force behind my campaign.

    “While this decision was not made lightly, I trust that you will understand and continue to support our party as we work together towards our shared goals.

    “From the foregoing, I’m ready to support whoever emerges as our candidate in the primary election scheduled for tomorrow.”

    Now, back to my “original copy” – which bears a similar heading: “Edo 2024: The Oshiomhole factor in APC primaries, September poll” – before the Ize-Iyamu bombshell. Read and see if the article – abridged to accommodate the unfolding political drama – uncannily foretold the “breaking news,” and the mess of a governorship primary election, which four aspirants lay claims to winning. It runs as follows:

    As you read this article, results would’ve been published for the direct primaries conducted on February 17, under the ambit of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to pick a candidate for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma led the six-member primary election committee that supervised the poll.

    The shadow poll became more intense when Senator and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole reportedly influenced the screening and pruning of the over 30 aspirants to six, thereby incurring condemnation from the “sidelined” aspirants and their supporters.

    Intervening to douse tension, the national headquarters of the APC disclaimed the fathom “screening committee,” with the NWC re-asserting its authority to vet aspirants who’d purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms of N10m and N40m each, for the primaries.

    On February 10, the APC seven-man National Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee, led by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, cleared all 12 aspirants that appeared before it – including six of the aspirants the “Oshiomhole committee” disqualified: Hon. Anamero Dekeri, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Mr Gideon Ikhine, Maj-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (retd), Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, and Dr Blessing Agbomhere.

    The other six cleared aspirants that earlier had the “Oshiomhole committee” blessing include Mr Clem Agba, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Mr Lucky Imasuen, Col. David Imuse (retd), Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Dr Ernest Umakhihe.

    Yet, as the APC members went for the primaries on Saturday, speculations indicate that Oshiomhole hasn’t abandoned his quest to “impose” an “anointed candidate” from among his “chosen six aspirants.”

    Oshiomhole may well have his way as a two-time governor, and senator, who’s become “the issue in Edo politics” since his entry into politics in 2007, such that he can determine where the political pendulum will swing for good and for ill of the APC in the state.

    The bombastic former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is guaranteed block votes from his home base of Edo North, which he topped up with votes from Edo South and Edo Central to win two terms in office (2008-2016), and install a successor in 2016. Oshiomhole can also do damage to his party through unbridled actions, and unguarded utterances, such as happened from 2016 to 2020 that caused APC’s defeat in 2020. The party’s striving to reverse that defeat on September 21.

    What Oshiomhole’s trying to do in Edo was virtually the preserve of a Police officer-turned politician, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih (1933-2018) – a political colossus nicknamed “Mr Fix It,” who grew in influence and the ways of “winning (fixing) elections,” that he couched a one liner: “There’s no vacancy in Aso Rock” (the presidency) or Government House at stake. (This is a story for another day in the Edo 2024 governorship.)

    Meanwhile, Oshiomhole’s sudden rise, and Chief Anenih’s loss of influence in Edo politics is traced to Oshiomhole’s court retrieval of his “stolen mandate” from Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Anenih’s “anointed” PDP candidate for the 2007 elections.

    There’re insinuations in the polity that having fallen out with Osunbor due to “irreconcilable differences,” Anenih offered Oshiomhole of the the dissolved Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the “political ammo” to use against Osunbor at the election petitions and appellate courts. Sadly, Oshiomhole’s to turn Anenih into a political punching bag throughout his eight-year tenure of office.

    Oshiomhole accused Anenih and others of being “godfathers,” which he repeately vowed to stamp out in Edo State. The strategy worked to diminish Anenih’s political stature in the eyes of Edolites, while unwittingly promoting the “Comrade Governor” as the new “godfather” in the guise of a messiah.
    Oshiomhole exhibited his “godfatherism” during the 2016 governorship election by unilaterally picking Lagos-based businessman, Mr Godwin Obaseki, as his successor, damning all opposition, even from his Deputy Governor Pius Odubu.

    But the chummy relationship between Oshiomhole and Obaseki didn’t last, as Obaseki alleged that Oshiomhole’s scheming to extend his “godfatherism” to the running of his government. As a payback, Oshiomhole, as national chairman of the APC, denied Obaseki a re-election ticket in 2020, forcing Obaseki to defect to the PDP.

    Ahead of the 2024 governorship poll, Obaseki, who’s also grown into a “godfather,” has ditched the ambition of his ally and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu for a Lagos-based business associate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, even as Oshiomhole attempts to stamp his overlordship on the APC, regarding who bears the party flag at the September 21 election.

    Barring attempts by Oshiomhole to throw another wrench in the works, Edo is again ripe for the APC to reclaim from the PDP the power it “freely” got in 2020 after 12 years (2008-2020) in the political wilderness! But having become “the issue in Edo politics,” Oshiomhole will yet determine the success or failure of the APC to return to power it lost via his powerplay with Obaseki in 2020.

    Indeed, a video surfaced on social media on the eve of the primaries, showing Oshiomhole addressing APC members in Edo North, to vote for House of Representatives member, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who the Uzodinma committee eventually declared as winner of the primaries amid disruption by aggrieved political thugs.

    It’s a guessing game what next the APC leadership will do, as “the primary is not cast in stone,” as the national chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, told the Uzodinma committee at its inauguration in Abuja days before the primaries.

    Ganduje said any aggrieved aspirants could apply to the primary appeals committee for review of the election, for possible redress of observed anomalies, which were reportedly overwhelming during the balloting. If proven, it’d be a sad day for the Uzodinma primaries committee, the APC and democracy in general!