BENIN. CITY – BARELY 24 hours to its governorship election primary, a frontline aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has stepped down from the contest.
He said the reasons for his decision are personal but it was gathered that it may not be far from the fact that he doesn’t seems to have the support of some prominent leaders of the party like Sen. Adams Oshiomhole.
In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Ize-Iyamu commended the leadership of the party for ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants and promised to support and work for whoever emerged in Saturday as the flag bearer of the party.
Although he did not disclose who he would now be backing, it was gathered that he has directed his supporters to vote for Sen. Monday Okpenholo.
The letters reads: “Few months ago, after extensively interacting with family, fiends. political associates, 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 its 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 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 certificate. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.
“Having being 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 form 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. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state’s 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 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 holding tomorrow.”