A socio-political group in Edo State, Owan Conscience, has rejected the purported automatic ticket granted to Senator Adams Oshiomhole during a recent meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Iyamoh.
Addressing the press in Benin City, the Chairman of the group, Barr. Richard Ofen-Imu, asserted that it is Owan’s turn to occupy the senatorial seat in 2027. He noted that since 1960, the Etsako sub-ethnic group has held the Edo North senatorial seat for 31 years, while Akoko-Edo and Owan have only held it for four years each—the last being from 2011 to 2015 by Senator Domingo Obende from Akoko-Edo.
A statement signed by Ofen-Imu and six others condemned the endorsement of Oshiomhole for a second term, describing it as “unjust and insensitive.” According to the group, the three sub-ethnic groups in Edo North—Akoko-Edo, Etsako, and Owan—should share political positions equitably.
“Comrade Oshiomhole, like we all know, is of the Etsako sub-ethnic group, a group that has dominated the senatorial slot to the glaring disadvantage of Akoko-Edo and Owan. By 2027, Etsako would have held the senate slot for about 31 years, while Owan and Akoko-Edo have held it for only four years each. This is not only unfair and unjust but an act of wickedness of brother against brother,” the statement read.
The group also noted that key political appointments such as the current Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, and the immediate past Minister, Prince Clem Agba, are from Etsako. The immediate past ambassador and the current nominee for the position are also Etsako indigenes.
Owan Conscience called on political parties, especially the APC, to zone the 2027 senatorial ticket to Owan for the sake of equity and fairness. The group urged Owan APC leaders to resist endorsing Oshiomhole’s re-election bid, describing it as “injustice and selfishness.”
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