Reactions have continued to trail the alleged endorsement of Senator Adams Oshiomhole for a second term in the Edo North Senatorial District, with the Owan Conscience group strongly condemning the move and calling for justice and equity within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group voiced its opposition during a press conference held on Wednesday at Imaro House, Murtala Mohammed Way, Benin City, where it accused the ruling party of marginalising the Owan axis in Edo North.
According to the Owan Conscience, endorsing Senator Oshiomhole for a second term amounts to political injustice and undermines the principle of equitable representation among the various local government areas in the district.
The purported endorsement has, however, generated mixed reactions from political stakeholders and residents across Edo North.
While some individuals criticised the move, others defended Senator Oshiomhole’s right to seek re-election.
One supporter dismissed the outcry, describing it as unnecessary.
“He will automatically become the David Mark of Edo North. He will be there for many years — possibly until he becomes Senate President or even gets picked as a vice-presidential candidate. Until then, it is back-to-back victories for Edo North. People should just rest,” the supporter said.
Another respondent questioned the credibility of the protest, arguing that politicians from the Owan axis had previously aligned with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“You cry injustice? Many of your politicians from that axis followed Obaseki to PDP. Let your candidate come under PDP. Oshiomhole is going for a second tenure and that is settled by God’s grace,” the respondent said, adding that any aspirant was free to test their popularity through party primaries.
Others were more emphatic in their support for the former Edo State governor, claiming his influence in the district remained unmatched.
“Oshiomhole has captured Edo North and there is nothing anybody can do about it. You will be joking if you think anyone can stop him in a free and credible election,” another supporter stated.
A different voice, however, challenged the legitimacy of the alleged endorsement, insisting that no formal backing had been granted.
“No one endorsed Oshiomhole. He is with our constituency monies. He should not bother coming to the streets to seek votes,” the individual said.
Some commentators urged the Owan Conscience group to focus on political mobilisation rather than public criticism.
“If any son or daughter of Owan wants to vie for the Edo North senatorial seat, they should begin consultation and mobilisation instead of attacking Oshiomhole’s candidacy,” one political observer advised, noting that the senator remained a dominant force within the APC.
Despite the differing opinions, critics of the endorsement insist that Edo North should not be treated as the political stronghold of one individual.
“Is Oshiomhole the only person in Edo North? The people of Owan should resist him and work against him,” another respondent said.
As the controversy continues, the APC is yet to officially confirm any endorsement ahead of the next senatorial election, leaving the debate over representation and fairness in Edo North unresolved.
