Senator Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed speculation that he is positioning himself to unseat Senate President Godswill Akpabio, insisting that his sole focus is on securing re-election to the National Assembly.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former Edo State governor described talk of a leadership bid as premature and misplaced. He stressed that discussions about the Senate presidency were far too early, given that his current mandate is yet to be renewed.
“When? Have I been elected yet?” Oshiomhole asked, reminding viewers that his term representing Edo North will expire at the end of the current legislative session in June. He confirmed that he has already applied for re-election and undergone screening ahead of his party’s primaries.
“I cannot take the people of Edo North for granted,” he said.
Using an analogy from family life, Oshiomhole recalled how his parents taught him never to pray for a child before marriage. “You cannot skip the steps,” he said. “Right now, my focus is to renew my mandate.”
He clarified his immediate priorities: “So, my priority right now is to win the primary election, then focus on the general election, not the Senate presidency.”
Oshiomhole cautioned against overconfidence and presumption in politics, stating that those who act without the fear of God often jump to conclusions and project themselves into positions they have not earned.
“I think we should take it step by step,” he said. “Right now, my current mandate is about to expire, and I’m working hard to get a renewal. I will not join in playing God.”
While there has been no official indication that Senator Akpabio’s position is under threat, several names have surfaced as potential contenders for the Senate presidency should a leadership change occur after the next elections.
