Two commissioners who served in the Adams Oshiomhole cabinet were said to have attacked his bid for the Senate saying that it would destroy the prospect of the senatorial zone getting a better deal.
Reports have it that Oshiomhole is bidding to oust the incumbent, Senator Francis Alimikhena, who is bidding for an unprecedented third term in the Senate.
No senator from Edo State has served three terms since the advent of the Fourth Republic and the bid by Alimikhena has been especially scrutinised in his Edo North Senatorial district where the zoning of the office among the major tribes is especially touchy.
The two former commissioners who came out against the bid by their former principal were, Chief Lucky James, (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs) and Mrs Inumidun Idehen (Women Affairs).
According to reports, Oshiomhole had sacked Mrs Idehen in 2012, one month before his re-election bid.
While noting that re-electing Alimikhena would give the constituency a bigger deal, the two said: “Edo North APC youths should work in synergy with their respective leaders to ensure victory for Senator Alimikhena.
“To show the seriousness attached to Alimikhena’s re-election, his campaign organisation has been strengthened and our principal is the first to obtain the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms,’’ the statement read.
Idehen was further quoted as saying: “at my age and with my pedigree, I cannot deceive my own people. I owe it a duty to lead rightly and Alimikhena is the right person for 2023 Senate.’’
The two former Oshiomhole commissioners were also backed in their stance on the Senate contest by a leader of the APC in Akoko-Edo, Mr Ayo Olowojoba, who said support for Oshiomhole would drag the senatorial district backward.
“We cannot be dragging Afemai backward by allowing a new person to go to senate. We will deliver Alimikhena by our unity, especially the Owan and Akoko-Edos,’’ he said.
It was understood that supporters of Alimikhena are asserting that should he win a third term that he would be in position to vie for the office of Senate President which they claim that Oshiomhole cannot win as a first termer.
