Former governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has revealed that his greatest ambition in life was to be the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), adding that he never dreamt of becoming a governor, party chairman, and a senator.
Oshiomhole made the remark during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he reflected on his political journey and the unexpected nature of leadership opportunities in his career.
According to him, his early aspiration was purely rooted in labour activism.
“My highest ambition in life was to be president of the Nigeria Labour Congress,” he said. “God knows that was what I used to pray for.”
He explained that if anyone had predicted his rise from labour leader to governor of Edo State, then to national chairman of the ruling party, and later senator, he would have dismissed it as unrealistic.
Oshiomhole said his experience in politics has taught him not to be overly consumed by long-term personal ambitions, but instead to focus on doing his best at every stage.
He also addressed recent tensions in the Senate involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio, insisting that his interventions during debates were based on constitutional interpretation rather than personal ambition.
“The Constitution is clear on succession within the Senate. Any Senate rule that contradicts the Constitution cannot stand,” he stated.
When asked whether he had future interest in becoming Senate President, Oshiomhole declined to give a direct answer, saying his current focus is on securing another term in the Senate.
“My current mandate is about to expire. I am working hard to renew that mandate. I have applied for re-election and I am taking it one step at a time,” he said.
He also cautioned politicians against becoming overconfident about elections, noting that political outcomes are never guaranteed, regardless of experience or status.
“There are people more competent and more experienced than me. So I do not take the democratic process for granted,” he added.
Oshiomhole concluded by saying his political philosophy has always been shaped by resistance to injustice rather than pursuit of power, adding that he has never been afraid to speak out when necessary.
“When I was younger and saw injustice, I spoke out even when others were afraid,” he said.
