In a surprising turn of events, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, one of the aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Edo State, has announced his withdrawal from the race less than 24 hours before the scheduled election.
In a letter addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, and copied to the acting state chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe, Ize-Iyamu cited the decision as a painful but necessary one.
Ize-Iyamu, a prominent contender in the race, would have been making his fourth attempt at clinching the governorship seat, having previously served as Secretary to the State Government under Governor Lucky Igbinedion.
Expressing his initial enthusiasm and commitment to rescuing Edo State from its current challenges, Ize-Iyamu acknowledged the efforts of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in ensuring a fair and transparent screening process for all aspirants.
However, after extensive consultations with family, friends, political associates, and supporters, Ize-Iyamu stated that he had decided to withdraw from the race in the interest of the peace and unity of the party, both at the state and national levels.
While expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the party’s national leadership, and the state’s working committee for their fairness and commitment to democracy, Ize-Iyamu assured his supporters of his continued loyalty to the party. He pledged to support any candidate that emerges from the primary election scheduled for the following day.
In conclusion, Ize-Iyamu thanked his family, friends, supporters, and campaign organization for their unwavering dedication and pledged to remain available to serve the people of Edo State.
