Ize-Iyamu Withdraws from Edo APC Gubernatorial Primaries

*Pledges to support any candidate that emerges

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

A frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, yesterday, withdrew his ambition to contest the party primaries slated for today to pick a candidate that would fly the party’s flag in the September 21 governorship election.

Ize-Iyamu, a two-time governorship candidate of the PDP and APC against the incumbent governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said he decided to withdraw after consultation with family, political associates and supporters, pledging however, to support any candidate chosen by the party.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his fatherly role and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for constituting an authentic screening committee, which screened the 12 aspirants after the initial jamboree that was highly criticised

The statement reads in part: “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 the 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 certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.”

Continuing, he said: “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 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 organisation 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.”