With fewer than 24 hours remaining until the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a leading contender, has withdrawn from the governorship race.
In a withdrawal letter addressed to the acting State Chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe, Ize-Iyamu expressed the pain behind his decision to step down from the race.
The letter read in part, “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 of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself, had been disqualified from the governorship contest.
“The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all 12 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 for them at all times.
“Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that my teeming supporters and I shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding on Saturday (today),” he added.
Meanwhile, Dennis Idahosa, a member of the House of Representatives vying for the governorship position in Edo State, has stated that former governor of the state, Adam Oshiomhole, has not given him any assurance of support, emphasizing that Oshiomhole is not his godfather.
Several aspirants have accused Oshiomhole of favoring Idahosa in the All Progressives Congress primary scheduled for today and have pledged to oppose any attempt to impose a candidate on the party.
However, Idahosa clarified that he merely informed Oshiomhole of his ambition, similar to what other aspirants did, and questioned how such a courtesy visit could be construed as receiving Oshiomhole’s endorsement.
In an interview with the Saturday PUNCH on Friday, Idahosa attributed his high standing among the 12 aspirants to hard work, highlighting his electoral victories in Ovia despite challenging the Igbinedion dynasty.
He expressed astonishment that his popularity was causing discord within the party, promising to unify everyone if he secures the APC ticket.
Furthermore, he cautioned against baseless accusations of corruption, asserting his record of service as a government appointee and two-time House of Representatives member.
He said, “I can tell you that Oshiomhole has not said he is backing me. I only visited him like every other aspirant did to intimate him of my ambition, but I began to hear that he has thrown his weight behind me and that Oshiomhole is my godfather.
“I also do not think that my aspiration should cause disaffection among party members. We are all one and we should work for the advancement of the party. I have already proved what I can do by some of the constituency project I have done for his constituency as a Rep member,” he added.