Why Oshiomhole’s APC Ticket Victory Is Bigger Than Ordinary Primaries

In Nigerian politics, powerful political tickets are rarely left uncontested without reason.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

That is why the emergence of Adams Oshiomhole once again as the APC senatorial candidate for Edo North is already generating conversations beyond the usual celebration of primary victories.

To many political observers, this was not just another internal party exercise.

It was an affirmation.

An affirmation of relevance.
An affirmation of structure.
An affirmation of political endurance.
And perhaps most importantly, an affirmation of continued grassroots acceptance years after occupying some of the highest political offices in the country.

Because in today’s Nigerian political climate, ambition is everywhere. Internal contests are fierce. Political heavyweights are constantly challenged. Even former governors and national leaders are often dragged into exhausting battles just to prove they still control their political base.

But when a figure of Oshiomhole’s stature emerges with overwhelming alignment and minimal internal resistance, it sends a message that goes far beyond ordinary party politics.

It suggests that within the APC structure in Edo North, many stakeholders still see him as a valuable political force whose influence remains active both within the party and among ordinary supporters.

For decades, Adams Oshiomhole has built a political identity rooted in confrontation, activism, visibility, and direct engagement with public issues. From his days in the labour movement to his years as governor of Edo State, former National Chairman of the APC, and now senator representing Edo North, one thing has remained consistent: his refusal to become politically quiet.

While many politicians gradually fade into ceremonial appearances after attaining power, Oshiomhole has continued to dominate conversations through his outspoken interventions, Senate debates, public engagements, and strong positions on national issues.

Supporters believe this consistency is one of the major reasons his political relevance has survived multiple transitions in Nigeria’s turbulent political environment.

But beyond party structures and political calculations lies another important factor: emotional connection with the grassroots.

For many ordinary people, Oshiomhole still projects the image of a politician who understands the language of the streets. A man whose political rise was shaped not by aristocratic distance but by labour struggles, public activism, and open confrontation against systems perceived as unfair to the common man.

That perception continues to work strongly in his favour politically.

His supporters see him as energetic, fearless, and emotionally invested in governance conversations even long after leaving executive office. Whether during heated Senate sessions or political gatherings across Edo North, the “Comrade” brand still appears to resonate deeply with many grassroots supporters who view him as one of their own.

And perhaps that is why this latest APC ticket victory carries symbolic weight.

Because beyond the celebration, it reflects something many politicians struggle to retain after years in public office: sustained political relevance.

In many democracies, longevity in politics often weakens public enthusiasm. But in Oshiomhole’s case, his supporters argue that his visibility, vocal nature, and continued involvement in public discourse have helped preserve his connection with the people.

That is what makes this moment politically significant.

Not merely because Adams Oshiomhole won.

But because after years in national politics, the political engine behind “The Comrade” still appears alive, influential, and firmly rooted within the grassroots political consciousness of Edo North.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Principal and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.