Political Sins won’t lead Politicians to Hell Fire – Oshiomhole

By Jethro Ibileke

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has declared that “political sins” will not send politicians to hell fire, describing such transgressions as part of the rough and tumble of politics.

Oshiomhole made the remark while addressing party faithful at the State Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Benin City, where he also spoke on his past feud with the Edo State APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.

The former Edo State governor argued that political disagreements and offences are normal in the political arena and should not be treated as eternal damnation.

He noted that while politicians are bound to commit sins in the course of political contestations, such actions would not lead them to hell fire.

He said Tenebe may have committed political sins against him in the past, but stressed that he had forgiven him following their reconciliation.

Meanwhile, Tenebe and members of his executive were returned unopposed and affirmed by delegates from the 18 local government areas of Edo State.

The congress, attended by delegates from the 192 wards across the state, held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Hub in Benin City, where the 36-member state executive led by Tenebe was unanimously affirmed for another four-year term.

In his acceptance speech, Tenebe announced that the re-elected executive had formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo for second terms in office, citing what he described as their outstanding performance and impact on Nigerians and Edo residents.

He also disclosed the endorsement of Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, for a second term in the Senate, praising what he described as quality representation.

“This unanimous voice affirmation is a call to duty, and we are ready to discharge our responsibility and ensure the party continues to put Edo people first, while supporting the governor to sustain his developmental strides in the state,” Tenebe said.

He commended delegates for their trust and overwhelming confidence in the executive, pledging that the team would steer the affairs of the party to greater heights.

Tenebe further thanked party faithful for their unwavering support, which he said enabled the APC to weather challenging periods and remain united.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that has already become a model and reference point for other states across the federation. We have been handed the baton of leadership, and the race ahead is a marathon that will span the next four years,” he added.

The chairman noted that the new tenure coincides with the implementation of Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which he described as a transformational blueprint aimed at repositioning Edo State for sustainable development.

He maintained that the APC remains fully committed to supporting the successful implementation of the agenda.

Also speaking, Chairman of the National Congress Committee, Hon. Kabiru Ajana, said the committee was mandated to conduct elections into the 36 vacant APC executive positions in Edo State.

According to him, the exercise reflected unity within the party, as all 36 positions were returned unopposed after the screening process, with no appeals recorded.

Ajana, who presided over the congress, commended Governor Okpebholo for fostering unity within the Edo APC and urged other states to emulate the example.