News
Edo 2024: How Oshiomhole’s ‘imposition’ gambit blew up in his face

By Ehichioya Ezomon
If Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s testing the waters to re-enact his 2016 imposition of a candidate on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, he’s failed spectacularly in the plot, with pleas by members to President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership to call him to order, to avoid another defeat for the party, as in 2020, blamed on Oshiomhole.
Hell was unchained in the APC on January 19 when words spread that a shadowy “screening committee” had reduced from 29 to 10, to six, and to four the number of aspirants angling for the party ticket. Fingers were pointed at Oshiomhole, as scheming “to eliminate unwanted aspirants,” and “impose a certain aspirant” as the party candidate.
In 2016, Governor Oshiomhole unilaterally picked a Lagos-based businessman, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for the governorship. But they’re to part ways, as Obaseki accused Oshiomhole of dictating to him like a godfather – which Oshiomhole indeed assumed to swing the governorship for Obaseki.
The rift led Oshiomhole – as the national chairman of the APC – to deny Obaseki the ticket for re-election in 2020, prompting Obaseki to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and won the poll.
But lately, Oshiomhole’s accused of reviving his relationship with Obaseki, to undermine the APC, by screening out prominent aspirants, and installing a “criminal,” who’s indicted by an investigation panel instituted by Oshiomhole in 2015. _Theconclaveng.com_ , which first reported the “rumours” about the screening, stated that the committee, led by House of Representatives Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, initially reduced the number of aspirants from 29 to 10, but was “prevailed” upon by Oshiomhole to trim the list to six of two aspirants each from Edo South, Edo North and Edo Central of Edo State.
Noting that, “the panel on Thursday night (January 18) achieved a list of six aspirants, the report added: “The list, as learnt, comprises, from Edo North, the immediate past minister of state for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba and a retired permanent secretary in the Federal Civil Service, Dr Ernest Umakhihe.
“From Edo Central, serving Senator Monday Okpebholo and the immediate past state chairman of the APC, Col. David Imuse (retd); and from Edo South, a serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dennis Idahosa and former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen. Barring any last-minute change(s) in plans, the party is expected to formally announce this outcome today (January 19).”
Instead, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC disclaimed the committee, stating that the screening and clearance of aspirants would be undertaken by a committee to be constituted by the NWC “in accordance with its Constitution,” the national publicity secretary of the APC, Mr Felix Morka, said in a statement.
Morka added: “As stipulated in the released APC timetable and schedule of activities for Edo gubernatorial election, all interested aspirants are to make prescribed payments into the party’s approved bank accounts,” and “collect their expression of interest and nomination forms from the party’s national secretariat.”
Similarly, the Edo State chapter of the APC, via its publicity secretary, Mr Peter Uwadiae, told journalists on January 23 that, “There is no truth in the news that governorship aspirants have been screened and about 25 have been disqualified.”
“Based on the advice of the National Working Committee of the party, we set up a committee, led by Julius Ihonvbere, to interface with the aspirants on the need to reduce the number of aspirants to a manageable one. It is after the close of sale of forms that the NWC will set up a screening committee,” Uwadiae said.
Urging members and supporters of the APC not to get agitated, as “the party believes in unity, fair play and democracy,” Uwadiae said the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms at N50m was ongoing, and that members aspiring for the governorship should obtain the forms. Yet, the purported screening sparked instant reactions, with many chastising Oshiomhole.
How did Edo APC get into the storming controversy? Comrade Oshiomhole may’ve capitalised on the innocuous plea by the NWC to the aspirants to trim their number.
Reading the resolution of the Edo State APC stakeholders meeting on the governorship on January 16, the deputy national publicity secretary, Hon. Duro Meseko, said, “Given the large numbers of aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket in Edo State, the NWC urged the stakeholders to unite in trimming the number of aspirants.”
Also, the APC national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, counselling on how to improve, deepen and widen internal democracy, said, “We have to be transparent, and at the same time, we have to adopt a guided democracy where we can discuss issues so that we limit, if possible, the number of contestants.”
During the consultative meeting on January 15, Oshiomole, vowing APC’s return to power in Edo State, told the NWC that stakeholders in the state chapter had embarked on dialogue with the aspirants, “to get their understanding for a rancour-free primary and eventually win the governorship election.”
“It is no secret that at the time we had the dialogue, I think they (aspirants) were 27. I learnt they have increased to 29 now. The process is ongoing, and the struggle continues,” Oshiomhole said.
He didn’t reveal what the dialogue was really about, which’s aimed at reducing the number of aspirants – an action that now threatens the primaries and APC’s hopes for the governorship. Hence Oshiomhole’s come under fire!
Frontline aspirant and two-time candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu – stressing his cordial relationship with Oshiomhole he describes as “my senior brother and the leader of our party and a distinguished senator” – dismissed the screening as “rumour,” telling his supporters that he’s in the race to win the ticket and the election, and that he’d obtain the nomination forms “next week” (last week), which he’s done.
(As reported by _The Nation_ , a check at the directorate of organisation of the APC in Abuja on January 24 shows that eight aspirants had purchased the forms. They include Pastor Ize-Iyamu, Prince Agba, Senator Okpebholo, Mr Imasuen, Hon. Anamero Dekeri, Mr Gideon Ikhine, Col. Imuse (retd) and Maj.- Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (retd)).
Arriving at the Benin airport from a parley with the APC leadership in Abuja, Ize-Iyamu, as first reported by _Vanguard_ , told a huge crowd of supporters and some APC leaders that there is nothing to worry about.
“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.
“And that they (NWC) are the only one to set up a screening committee, which they will do at the appropriate time. And if you look at the earlier time table released, you will find the schedule there.”
Ize-Iyamu 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.
The _New Telegraph_ reports that one of the “screened out” aspirants, Dr Blessing Agbomhere, said that, though “Oshiomhole is a leader who is revered and loved by many people,” he won’t allow his love for him to overwhelm his sense of reasoning and good judgment, and allow Oshiomhole to make another mistake in choosing the next Edo governor, “considering what his choice of Obaseki has cost the members of the APC and the good people of the state.”
Agbomhere alleged that Oshiomhole’s scheming to install a candidate with “criminal record,” wondering how Oshiomhole – whose Administrative Panel in 2015 confirmed the global criminal activities of the aspirant – “now wants to anoint him as APC’s candidate for the governorship election.”
“Edo State parades a good number of men and women who are qualified to govern it,” Agbomhere said. “It is wrong, disrespectful, and divisive to screen out all these men who have paid their dues to the party and the state only to pave the way for a nonentity, who can only be remembered for his alleged criminal record.
“Edo people are too sophisticated to accept the imposition of a candidate on them and will definitely lose faith in the APC and cast their ballots for other parties in the contest.”
Noting that the NWC “has condemned the clandestine move to destroy the goodwill that the party enjoys in Edo State,” Agbomhere commended the party leadership “for opening up the space again for all 30 aspirants to sell themselves to the people of Edo State, as it would have been catastrophic if they folded their arms and allowed anybody to toy with the party’s glorious opportunity to reclaim the governorship seat in the state.”
A group of Concerned Edo APC Stakeholders noted in a statement signed by 10 of the members, first reported by _TheNewsGuru.com_ , that Oshiomhole “does not have the authority to constitute a screening committee,” as he’s neither the national chairman of the APC nor a member of the NWC, even as the group admitted that the six-man committee was constituted under the leadership of Oshiomhole, to interface with the aspirants and make recommendations on how the number could be reduced, and dispelled the notion that it’s a screening committee. “We would like to state for the records that Comrade Oshiomhole does not have the authority to constitute a screening committee, as he is neither the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress nor a member of the NWC. Furthermore, only aspirants who have completed and submitted their forms, can be screened by the committee established by the NWC for this purpose,” the group said.
“The scheduled date for the screening of aspirants, as outlined in the approved timetable by the NWC, is between 8th and 9th February 2024. The Oshiomhole committee unlawfully assumed the functions of the NWC and (members) were unfortunately coerced by Comrade Oshiomhole to submit a report in variance of their earlier recommendation, which is in the public domain.”
The stakeholders said Edo people were shocked when the news broke that the Oshiomhole committee initially recommended 10 names among the aspirants, “and on meeting with Comrade Oshiomhole, was told to further remove some names and make the total six.”
“It is worth noting that Comrade Oshiomhole’s previous usurpation of nomination powers, as witnessed in the nomination of Godwin Obaseki and Philip Shuaibu as governor and deputy governor, respectively, in 2016, resulted in the party’s opposition status in Edo State today. It is evident that he intends to repeat this indelible error in 2024,” the group said.
“It is common knowledge that Comrade Oshiomhole has a personal interest on who becomes the Edo State governor. We, therefore, reject Comrade Oshiomhole’s undue influence and demand that he steers clear of the Edo 2024 APC governorship primaries.
“We hereby call on the national chairman of the APC, H.E Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other well-meaning party leaders in Edo State and across Nigeria, to intervene and restrain Comrade Oshiomhole and his co-travelers. The APC in Edo State should not be plunged into unnecessary crisis ahead of the 2024 governorship election.
The League of Patriotic Lawyers, through its chairman, Mallam Abubakar Yesufu, decried the “disqualification of political heavyweights,” such as Pastor Ize-Iyamu, Chief Chris Ogiemwonyi, and Gen. Airhiavbere (retd), “to pave the way for Osiomhole’s ‘anointed candidates,'” and asked President Tinubu to call Oshiomhole to order “over his excesses in Edo State.”
Accusing Oshiomhole of ensuring that “aspirants with political structures and fibers were shoved aside, to give wings to the candidates that the PDP would easily defeat,” Mr Yesufu said the former governor “shouldn’t have been allowed to handle such a sensitive position that affects the political future of Edo State,” and advised Tinubu to be circumspect in accepting the so-called list, as “it does not contain the best materials.”
“Whilst not trying to impugn on the credibility of the committee and so-called ‘cleared’ candidates, Mr President should take a second and serious look at the rejected names,” Yesufu said, alleging that “Osiomhole’s recent romance with Asue Ighodaro, Obaseki’s ‘anointed candidate,’ shows that he’s indeed a mole planted to destabilise APC in Edo State.”
He recalled how Oshiomhole “told the world that Pastor Ize-Iyamu was a ‘Devil’ when he wanted to plant Obaseki about eight years ago, and went further to endorse Ize-Iyamu as ‘the best candidate’ when he fell out with Obaseki, an action which cost the party’s march to Osadebey Avenue (Government House in Benin City).”
“Osiomhole’s recent activities are dangerous to the chances of the APC, and action should be taken to ensure the party does not lose in the next off-circle election slated for September 2024,” Yesufu said in a statement on January 20.
Denying Oshiomhole’s alleged plan to impose a candidate on the APC members in Edo State, his spokesman, Simon Ebegbulem, said the former governor “is a thorough-bred APC leader, who will not work against the party but is committed to ensuring that Edo State returns to APC in the next election.”
“The screening committee merely adopted a mechanism to prune down the long list of aspirants, to avoid waste of funds, and ensure the unsuccessful ones team behind and mobilise support for the best candidate who would consequently emerge,” Ebegbulem told _New Telegraph_ .
Politicians never say die, and Oshiomhole – a talkaive labour veteran and brilliant political tactician – may yet have some “tricks” up his sleeve, to ensure his “anointed” aspirant gain the APC ticket for the crucial September 21 election. The party members have to be “watchful and prayerful” to derail his imposition plot!
Mr Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria
News
CUPP lampoon Reps over move to investigate Ugochinyere, others for visit to Fubara

**Calls for reversal of the ill-informed Move by the House of reps
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has Condemned the attempt by the House of Representatives to refer Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and other members to the Committee On Ethics for probe over their Solidarity Visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Fifty members of the House of Representatives hadq paid a solidarity visit to the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to celebrate his one year in office.
The lawmakers, who consist of members of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Labour Party ( LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party ( NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) also include the spokesman of opposition coalition, in the House, Ikenga Ugochinyere..
Ugochinyere had explained on the sideline of the thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt that federal lawmakers were in Rivers to solidarilize with Fubara and celebrate with him on his one year of transformational leadership.
But the House had referred the Honourable members to the Committee on Ethics for disciplinary action over their visit
However, the chairman,
Media Committee of the
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Chief Barr. Chukwudi Ezeobika in a statement has tackled the leadership of the House for the action which he said clearly cast doubt on its integrity in the observance and or adherence to the laws which they enact/promulgate.
“Relying on the point of order/ privilege raised by Yusuf Gagdi of the All Progressives Congress, Plateau State to arrive at such decision is erroneous and grossly misleading.
“The House, by this very action, has impugned on the integrity and sacredness of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) especially Sections 39 and 40 which guarantee Freedom of Expression and the Press as well as that of Peaceful Assembly and Association respectively.
“We, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), hereby call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to, without further delay retract its ongoing steps in the purported probe of these Honourable members by its Ethics Committee and not engage in any act that may violate the fundamental rights of its members or any member of the public.
News
Kano Police counter reports that Emir Bayero will lead Jumma’t prayer

the Kano State Police Command has countered reports that Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano, where Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano, leading prayer at the moment.
The reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have been laying claim to the throne, creating confusion in the city.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had dethroned Ado Bayero and asked him to hand over within 48 hours.
But the dethroned monarch in defiance returned to the town under military protection and has been operating from the mini palace since then.
In a statement by Abdullahi Kiyawa, spokesman of Kano Police Command, said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
“The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.”
The emirate tussle has continued to linger since the reinstatement of Sanusi and dissolution of the five emirates.
There have been cnflicting court orders for and against
Based on the conflicting orders, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, had summoned the head of the Federal High high Court and Kano Chief Judge.
The Police statement reads,
KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND
31ST MAY, 2024
The Kano State Police Command is hereby advising all residents to disregard the false information circulating on social media that Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano.
2. The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
3. The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
4. Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.
SP ABDULLAHI HARUNA KIYAWA, ANIPR, MNISMA,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATONS OFFICER,
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, KANO STATE COMMAND.
News
Royal turbulence gets messier as emirs Sanusi II, Bayero move to hold prayer at Palace Mosque

As the royal turbulence continue to shake the foundation of the city of Kano, the ancient city is tension soaked as the two contending Emirs- the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have indicated their determination to hold Jumaat prayers at the Palace Central Mosque.
A press statement issued Thursday night, signed by Danburan Kano, Munir Sanusi Bayero, spelt out the itinerary of the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to the Mosque to lead the Jumaat Prayers.
The statement explained that Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, who resides in the Palace, and is closer to the contending Mosque, is expected to lead the two rakat Friday prayers.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has been leading the Jumaat Prayers at the Palace Central Mosque as the Amir of the City, a statement explained.
The statement by Danburan invited Kano residents to come and listen to the sermon to be delivered by the Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.
However, another statement from an aide of the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero invited residents to join him at the Emir’s Palace Friday Mosque to observe the Juma’at prayer.
It stated that the movement to the Emir’s Palace Mosque starts at 12.30 pm.
However, the police are yet to comment on the development.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi2 years ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro12 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu