Oshiomhole: Political Sinners No Go Hellfire, Forgives Tenebe

Benin City – Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, on Tuesday stunned delegates at the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) congress when he declared that political sins cannot send anybody to hellfire.

The former Edo governor and ex-national chairman of the APC made the remark while responding to an emotional plea for forgiveness by the newly re-elected State Chairman, Barrister Jarret Tenebe (popularly called Emperor), at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City.

Tenebe, who was returned unopposed alongside the entire old State Working Committee for a fresh four-year term through voice affirmation, had in his acceptance speech admitted he might have “stepped on toes” during his time as acting and deputy chairman.

“Reflecting on my journey within our great Party, I previously served as Deputy State Chairman during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of APC in Edo State… In the course of discharging my responsibility, I may have stepped on toes where my actions may have offended anyone… I sincerely offer my apologies. To all who felt aggrieved at any point, I extend a hand of reconciliation,” Tenebe said.

Oshiomhole, visibly in a reconciliatory mood, seized the moment to deliver what many delegates described as vintage “Oshio Baba” humour mixed with deep political philosophy.

“Jarret said all the sins he has committed should be forgiven. And I said he who does not sin does not belong to this planet Earth. This Earth is populated by sinners. For sinners who weep, ask for forgiveness in the way he has done. But to be honest, political sinners don’t need to go to hell.

“Political sin cannot lead anybody to hellfire. Political sins can only grow around a moment and then they just get dissolved. So, Jarret, you are brand new, stainless like a mint,” Oshiomhole thundered, drawing loud cheers and laughter from the crowd.

The senator also used the opportunity to address lingering references to a statement allegedly made by him during his stormy days as APC National Chairman (2018-2020), when he was accused of saying that “any politician that joins APC, his or her sins are forgiven.” Oshiomhole has consistently denied the quote.

The congress, described by party leaders as a “congress of affirmation,” was attended by Governor Monday Okpebholo, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, and other top stakeholders.

In a show of unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, the re-elected executive led by Tenebe immediately endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, adopted Governor Okpebholo as sole candidate for the 2028 governorship election, and gave automatic return ticket to Oshiomhole for Edo North Senatorial District. The other two senators were asked to face primaries if they want to return.

Party sources told NaijaChoice News that the event signals full reconciliation within Edo APC, especially between Oshiomhole and Tenebe, who had clashed during the build-up to the 2024 governorship election that eventually produced Okpebholo as governor.

Social media has since gone wild with the video of Oshiomhole’s comment, with many Nigerians joking that “APC don turn to church of sin forgiveness.”

But inside the hall, the mood was that of celebration and renewed hope as the party that wrestled power from PDP in 2024 now positions itself as the dominant force in Edo politics.

Oshiomhole’s message was clear: in politics, mistakes happen, apologies are made, forgiveness is given, and life continues – no hellfire involved.

As one delegate put it while dancing out of the venue: “Na so politics be. Today enemy, tomorrow brother. Only God go judge the real sin.”

The Edo APC congress has once again shown that the ruling party in the state is ready for business as 2027 approaches.