With less than 24 hours remaining until the All Progressives Congress primary election, a leading candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has opted to step down from the Edo state gubernatorial contest.
In his letter to the acting State Chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe, notifying the party of his decision, Ize-Iyamu acknowledged that the choice was a difficult one to make.
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.
In the political arena, Dennis Idahosa, a House of Representatives member aiming for the governorship role in Edo State, emphasized that former governor of the state, Adam Oshiomhole, has not committed to supporting him, emphasizing his autonomy from Oshiomhole’s influence.
Several aspirants have alleged that Oshiomhole is supporting Idahosa in the All Progressives Congress primary, scheduled for today, and have pledged to oppose any efforts to impose a candidate on the party.
Idahosa, in response, emphasized that his visit to Oshiomhole was simply to inform him of his gubernatorial aspirations, a courtesy extended to every aspirant, raising doubts about how such a customary gesture could be interpreted as garnering the support of the former governor of the state.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Idahosa credited his leading position among the 12 aspirants to his dedicated work ethic, emphasizing his successful election victories in Ovia despite challenging the entrenched Igbinedion dynasty.
Idahosa expressed disbelief that his current favorable standing was causing division within the party, assuring to reconcile all factions if he emerges as the APC candidate.
Idahosa cautioned individuals alleging his involvement in corruption to refrain from such actions or face legal consequences, emphasizing his great service to the public as a government appointee and a two-time member of the House of Representatives.
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.