Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the ex-Secretary to the State Government of Edo, officially threw his hat into the 2024 gubernatorial arena in the state during a Wednesday announcement.
This marks his third attempt at securing the Edo governorship.
Back in 2020, he contested under the All Progressives Congress banner but faced defeat against Governor Godwin Obaseki, who championed the Peoples Democratic Party.
On Wednesday, in announcing his renewed bid on the APC platform, Ize-Iyamu reaffirmed his commitment to the familiar SIMPLE agenda: Security, Infrastructure Development, Manpower Development, Public/Private Partnership, Leadership by example, and Employment creation.
He said, ‘Having served as Secretary to the State Government and a previous governorship candidate of the party, I possess the required experience to be governor. We lost the 2020 election because our leaders outside the state chose to vote against us.’
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‘The SIMPLE agenda will be used to develop the state, if given the chance to become the governor. All the 18 local government will enjoy infrastructural development.’
Making a direct appeal to the electorate, he urged them to vote for a candidate, like himself, who comprehends the people’s needs, as opposed to an outsider. Furthermore, he questioned the present administration’s assertions regarding infrastructural development in the state.
He added, ‘In Orhionmwon Local Government where I come from, there is no Automated Teller Machine let alone a bank and other social amenities like pipeborne water and electricity.
‘The present administration is engaging in selective development as the only visible projects can only be found in Benin City.’
‘Also, I am not like other politicians who will rule for four or eight years and relocate to Abuja or Lagos. I am based in the state and I think I should be given the chance rather than backing people who only come to vie for positions during elections.’
The party’s deputy chairman, Jarret Tenebe, responded by stressing the party’s demand for a candidate who can secure a win in the 2024 poll.