By Shola Abayomi.
Despite the endorsement of Senator representing Delta Central, Ovie Omo-Agege by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Deputy President of the 9th Senate, another top contender for the position, Senator Francis Alimikhena (Edo North), insists he is still in the race.
Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, Senator Alimikhena debunked rumors of his alleged withdrawal from the race, describing it as “unimaginable and unthinkable.”
Senator Alimikhena who was the Deputy Chief Whip of the 8th Senate, urged his colleagues to support his ambition, assuring them of purposeful leadership if elected.
He said, “My attention has been drawn to speculations in some quarters claiming that I, Francis Alimikhena has stepped down from the race for the position of Deputy Senate President.
“I am still in the race. I have not stepped down for anybody. How will I step down and for who?
“I am a ranking senator, a principal officer in the Eight Senate, an experienced personality who served in various ad-hoc committees in the just concluded Senate.
“I urge my colleagues to support and vote for me as I promise to provide purposeful leadership.
“I have the humility, experience and temperament required for the office and I have been a very loyal party member. My relationship also cuts across party divide”, the senator advocated.
Recall that the South-South zonal chapter of the APC had adopted Senator Omo-Agege after taking into consideration the current zoning of political offices in the South-South zone.
According to a statement released by the APC Vice-Chairman (South-South), Ntufam Hilliard Eta, the party settled for Omo-Agege because Edo State produced the current National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, so it became imperative that the zone supports the candidature of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for the office of the Deputy Senate President.