In anticipation of the upcoming gubernatorial primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State this Saturday, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a prominent contender, has chosen to withdraw from the race.
Dated February 16, 2024, Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s withdrawal letter was directed to the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and copied to the Edo State Acting chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe. Painfully, he stated that his decision stems from thorough consultations with family, friends, political associates, and supporters.
Expressing the sacrifice made for the sake of peace and unity crucial for the party at both state and national levels, the former 2020 Governorship candidate emphasized his initial entry into the race due to a deep-seated passion for rescuing Edo State from its current state of decay.
A few months ago, after extensive interactions with various stakeholders, I joined the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial race, propelled by my commitment to rescuing Edo from its current state of decrepitude. Regrettably, I announce my withdrawal from the race, a decision reached after exhaustive consultations with family, friends, political associates, and supporters. This sacrifice is made in the interest of the peace and unity the party desperately needs at both state and national levels.
Despite entering the contest as a progressive democrat with an open mind, willing to accept the results of a fair, credible, and transparent process, he applauded the National Working Committee (NWC) for correcting the erroneous impression created by some that certain aspirants, including himself, were disqualified.
“The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee, and all twelve aspirants who completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and issued Clearance certificates. This step restored our integrity in the eyes of the public,” he noted. While appealing to the people and his supporters to accept his personal decision, he pledged continuous support for them.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fatherly role and the party’s National leadership for their commitment to the democratic process, he commended the state working committee for ensuring a level playing field. Pastor Ize-Iyamu promised to support any candidate emerging in the primary as a loyal party member.
