Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State and ex-national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), used the platform of the party’s state congress Tuesday to offer a sweeping philosophical pardon to politicians who have wronged one another, declaring that the transgressions of political life carry no heavenly punishment.
Oshiomhole, speaking at the Edo State APC congress on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Benin City, said, “Political sin cannot lead anybody to hellfire.”
The remark came as the veteran politician addressed what many in the party had long described as a tense personal and political feud between himself and the newly re-elected Edo State APC chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.
Oshiomhole argued that political disagreements and offences are a normal part of the political arena and should not be treated as matters of eternal damnation, noting that while politicians are bound to commit sins in the course of political contestations, such actions would not lead them to hellfire.
He noted that Tenebe may have committed sins against him in the past, but stressed that he had been forgiven, given the fact that they had since reconciled.
The congress, which was held across all 18 local government areas of Edo State, saw Tenebe returned unopposed and affirmed by delegates. In his acceptance remarks, the re-elected chairman struck a conciliatory tone, publicly apologising for any grievances caused during his time as acting chairman.
“I sincerely offer my apologies. Every decision taken was made in good faith and in the overall interest of the APC,” Tenebe said, adding that he was also actively involved in the leadership process during a defining electoral period that reshaped the political landscape of Edo State, particularly in the build-up to the governorship election.
“That period was marked by diverse political interests and different opinions, which naturally created internal tensions. However, all actions taken were guided by the collective goal of positioning our party for success and progress.”
Tenebe extended an olive branch to all aggrieved members, saying: “To all who felt aggrieved at any point, I extend a hand of reconciliation and goodwill as we move forward together to build a stronger Edo State.”
Beyond internal reconciliation, the congress also served as a platform for political endorsements. Tenebe and his team endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo for second terms in office, citing what he described as their outstanding performance.
The chairman also announced the endorsement of Oshiomhole for a second term in the Senate, citing what he described as quality representation.
“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,” Tenebe said.
Responding to opposition concerns that the APC is turning Nigeria into a one-party state, Oshiomhole said no one has provided any evidence of anyone being compelled to leave their party and join the APC.
Oshiomhole’s “political sins” remark is not without historical context. The senator has previously been quoted as saying that once anyone joins the ruling APC, no matter how heavily corruption allegations hang over their head, all their past sins are instantly forgiven — a statement he has consistently denied making.
