Less than 24 hours to the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election, a leading aspirant of the party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has stepped aside from the February 17, 2024 exercise.
The former Secretary to the Edo State Government, who made the announcement at a press conference at his Bein City residence on Friday, described his decision to quit the governorship race as painful.
He, however, pledged to support any of the APC governorship aspirants who eventually emerges in the Saturday’s primary election.
However, the astute politician, it was gathered, has directed his supporters in the 192 political wards in Edo State to support the aspiration of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
In a speech he read before journalists, he said he took the decision after due consultations with friends, family and political associates. He, however, commended President Bola Tinubu, and the national leadership of APC for their fairness and commitment to the democratic process.
He said, “I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent, I| appreciate the commendable effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants including myself had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest.
“The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.
“Having been cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters.
“I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and national levels, I humbly appeal to the good people of Edo State to accept my decision which is very personal and I promise to be there for them at all times.
“Thankfully. I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, as well as the party’s National leadership for their fairness and commitment to the democratic process,” Ize-Iyamu said.
It was also gathered that late-minutes to the governorship primary election, other aspirants may throw in the towel for a particular aspirant.
APC aspirants in the race included Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Prince Clem Agba, Monday Okpebholo, Lucky Imasuen, Hon. Anamero Dekeri, Gideon Ikhine and David Imuse, a retired Colonel.
Others are Major Gen. Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere (rtd), former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, Blessing Agbomhere, and Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.
