Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, has refuted the viral report of his exclusion from the race by the Prof Julius Ihonvbere-led screening panel, dismissing it as mere rumour.
He confidently asserted that he remains the candidate to beat in the upcoming primaries and is poised to win the gubernatorial election.
The report from Prof Julius Ihonvbere’s screening committee cleared only six aspirants, excluding 23 others with the provision that they are still free to purchase the governorship nomination forms.
Upon arrival at the Benin airport, Ize-Iyamu addressed a substantial crowd of supporters and party leaders, asserting that the National Working Committee (NWC) has given explicit directives allowing all aspirants for the governorship race to purchase nomination forms. He also noted his amicable relationship with Senator Adams Oshiomhole, considering him a senior brother held in high esteem.
He stated, “I want to assure you that I am in the race, and by next week, by the grace of God, I will collect the form. Any Edo person is worthy of the ticket, and I am not a stranger. I want to assure you that your support will not be in vain, and there is nothing to worry about.
“When you are contesting for an election, there are bound to be intrigues and all kinds of rumours and stories. The highest organ of our party issued a statement to the publicity secretary, particularly for the Edo Governorship election, and specifically said that all those who have aspirations to run for governorship should go and collect the forms.
“And that they are the only ones to set up a screening committee, which they will do at the appropriate time. If you look at the earlier timetable released, you will find the schedule there. Let me announce that by next week, I will collect the form.
“I know there were rumours that some people have been excluded, but by that NWC release, that is not possible anymore. The only people that can exclude aspirants are the committee set up by the NWC. I want to assure you that I will contest and win the election.”
Regarding his relationship with the National Leader of the party and former governor of the state, Oshiomhole, he said, “My relationship is cordial. He is my senior brother, and I respect age. We have worked together for many years. He is the leader of our party and a distinguished senator.”
