In a surprising turn of events, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a prominent aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary election in Edo State, has announced his withdrawal from the race less than 24 hours before the scheduled primary.
Ize-Iyamu made this decision public in a statement addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Acting State Chairman of the APC, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe. The statement, released on Friday, February 16, was also made available to journalists.
In the withdrawal letter, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu expressed his initial intent to join the gubernatorial race out of a sense of duty to rescue Edo State from its current challenges. He commended the efforts of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC in rectifying misconceptions regarding the disqualification of some aspirants, including himself.
It reads: “Few months ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, 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 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 the 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 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 I very personal and I promise to be there for them at all times.”
