Senator Adams Oshiomhole has said that political sins cannot take anyone to hellfire, stressing that mistakes made in politics are part of the game and should not be treated as eternal offences.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the National Assembly, made the remark on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, during the Edo State congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Benin City.
The former governor of Edo State spoke while responding to an appeal for forgiveness by the newly elected APC State Chairman, Jarret Tenebe. Tenebe had asked party members to forgive him for any offence he may have committed while serving as acting chairman of the party in the state.
Addressing party faithful at the congress, Oshiomhole said political sins are common in politics and should not be seen as something that would condemn anyone to eternal punishment.
“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 and ask for forgiveness in the way he has done. But to be honest, political sinners don’t need to go to hell,” Oshiomhole said.
He added that political disagreements and offences are often temporary and usually fade away with time.
“Political sins can only grow around a moment and then they just get dissolved. So, Jarret, you are brand new, stainless like a mint,” he said.
Oshiomhole’s statement is coming years after he was linked to a controversial remark during his short time as the National Chairman of the APC. At the time, he was alleged to have said that “any politician that joins APC, his or her sins are forgiven.”
The comment generated public debate and criticism from opposition parties, who accused the ruling party of encouraging political defections for selfish reasons. However, Oshiomhole has repeatedly denied ever making such a statement.
On Tuesday, his fresh comment about “political sins” again drew attention, especially because of his past experience as national chairman of the APC between 2018 and 2020. His tenure was marked by internal party crises in several states, including Edo, which eventually led to his removal by a court order and the dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee at the time.
Earlier in his acceptance speech, Jarret Tenebe admitted that he may have offended some members while carrying out his duties as acting chairman during a difficult period in the party’s history in Edo State.
Tenebe recalled serving as Deputy State Chairman during what he described as one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the APC in the state. According to him, the party survived that period because of the loyalty and commitment of its members.
“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. Through our counter-debate phase, the unwavering support and commitment of our party faithful enabled us to weather the storm and keep the party united and focused,” he said.
He admitted that in the course of performing his duties, he may have stepped on toes.
“In the course of discharging my responsibility, I may have stepped on toes where my actions may have offended anyone while carrying out my duties in strengthening the democratic foundation of our party. I sincerely offer my apologies. Every decision taken was made in good faith and in the overall interest of the APC,” Tenebe stated.
He also spoke about his involvement in the party’s leadership process during a key electoral period in Edo State, especially in the build-up to the governorship election that reshaped the political landscape of the state.
According to him, that period was marked by different political interests and opinions, which naturally created tension within the party. However, he insisted that all actions taken were aimed at positioning the APC for success.
“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,” he added.
The APC in Edo State has faced serious internal crises in the past few years. The crisis became more visible during the build-up to the 2020 governorship election, when divisions within the party led to the exit of key members and a heated political battle in the state.
Oshiomhole, who was governor of Edo State from 2008 to 2016, played a central role in the political events of that period. His relationship with his successor broke down, leading to deep divisions within the party structure in the state.
Since then, efforts have been ongoing to rebuild and reposition the APC in Edo ahead of future elections. Political analysts believe that the success of the party in the state will depend largely on how well it manages internal disagreements and reconciles aggrieved members.
Tuesday’s congress was therefore seen by many party members as an important step in strengthening the party’s structure at the grassroots level.
Oshiomhole’s remarks also touch on a wider issue in Nigerian politics, where party members often move from one political platform to another, sometimes after serious disagreements. Political defections are common, especially close to major elections.
In many cases, politicians who were once strong critics of a party later become key members of the same party. This has led to public debate about political loyalty and accountability.
By saying that “political sins cannot lead anybody to hellfire,” Oshiomhole appeared to suggest that political conflicts should not be treated as permanent divisions.
As Edo State prepares for future political contests, the APC leadership in the state says it is focused on unity and rebuilding trust among members.
With Tenebe now confirmed as substantive state chairman, party leaders hope that internal disputes will reduce and that members will work together toward common goals.
For Oshiomhole, a seasoned politician with experience both as a former governor and former national chairman of the APC, the message was clear: politics is full of disagreements, but forgiveness and reconciliation are necessary for progress.