Edo Guber: Pastor Ize-Iyamu Withdraws From APC Primary Election
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a prominent aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, has officially withdrawn from the race.
Ize-Iyamu’s withdrawal is coming less than 24 hours before the primary election of the ruling party to select its candidate for the governorship election in Edo State on September 21.
In a statement released on Friday in Benin, the capital of the state, Pastor Ize-Iyamu announced his decision to withdraw.
The statement made available to journalists was specifically addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and a copy was sent to the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.
It is speculated that Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s withdrawal may be influenced by rumors circulating that the party leadership at both the state and national levels, as well as Senator Adams Oshiomhole, are inclined towards granting the ticket to Dennis Idahosa, the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency.
Read the full text of the withdrawal letter:
“A few months ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, political assonates, and supporters, I joined the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial race as a result of my passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo state from the current condition of decrepitude.
“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 commended 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 praiseworthy 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 the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state working committee for their principled stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants. I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organization who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness, and your courage.
“Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election held tomorrow.”
It is worth mentioning that Ize-Iyamu was among the candidates who were initially eliminated by a committee led by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, a member of the House of Representatives. This committee was established by Senator Adams Oshiomhole with the aim of reducing the number of aspirants.
Nevertheless, the concerned candidates expressed their dissatisfaction and protested to the party’s national committee. Eventually, the national committee reviewed their cases and granted them permission to participate in the party primaries.
