Two commissioners in Adams Oshiomhole’s cabinet while he was Edo governor, Lucky James, (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs) and Inumidun Idehen (Women Affairs) have kicked against Mr Oshiomhole’s senatorial ambition.

Mr Oshiomhole, ex-APC chairman, declared his intention on April 4, to contest the Edo North senatorial district seat.

The two former commissioners issued a joint statement in Benin on Thursday, pitching their tent with incumbent Francis Alimikhena and pledging their support for his re-election.

The statement was personally signed by Mr James, Mr Oshiomhiole’s kinsman and Mrs Idehen whom Mr Oshiomhole dropped from his cabinet in June 2012, one month to the governorship election in Edo.

They submitted that the re-election of Mr Alimikhena, instead of replacing him with Mr Oshiomhole would guarantee a bigger deal for the senatorial district.

“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 said.

It quoted Mrs Idehen 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.’’

She urged the people to do the right thing by nominating and supporting Mr Alimikhena for another term.

Reacting to the statement, a leader of the APC in Akoko-Edo, Ayo Olowojoba, said support for Mr 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.

(NAN)