Defying odds, former Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor asserted on Thursday that his age would not hinder his pursuit of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ticket for the upcoming state governorship election.
At 72 years old, Osunbor challenged his critics and political adversaries to a race, emphasizing his belief that age should not impede his ambition to return to the State House, 16 years after his previous tenure.
Osunbor confidently addressed the public after picking the N50 million Expression of Interest and Nomination form at the party secretariat in Abuja, even as he argued that good governance should take precedence over age considerations. He invited his detractors to challenge him physically, emphasizing that health and capabilities should be the determining factors.
During a press conference, the two-term senator highlighted the evolving perspectives on age, drawing parallels to changing beliefs about dietary habits. Osunbor emphasized that parameters for assessing suitability for public service should adapt over time, much like perceptions about the effects of certain foods on health.
Responding to queries about any ‘unfinished business’ prompting his return to Edo Government House, Osunbor dismissed the notion, stating, “I didn’t forget anything there, and I have no such thing as unfinished business. I’m going back there to positively impact the lives of Edo people.”
Osunbor’s removal as Edo State governor was confirmed by an Appeal Court in 2008, citing electoral irregularities during the April 2007 election. Despite the setback, Osunbor refuted suggestions of strained relations with his successor, Adams Oshiomhole, asserting that he maintains a positive and amicable relationship with the current APC leader in Edo State.
