Hours after it was reported that plans were in the offing to install a Senator, Monday Okpebholo, as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), one of the top contenders for the ticket and hot seat of Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has dramatically stepped down.
With less than 24 hours to the party’s primary, there are indications that some of the 11 remaining as aspirants may throw in the towel.
Ize Iyamu in his letter to the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Umaru Ganduje wrote:
Dear Sir,
LETTER OF WITHDRAWAL
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 Edo 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 pubic.
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 stale 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 organization 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,
Thank you, and may God bless us all Amen.
Those remaing on the list of aspirants are: Prince Clem Agba, Senator Monday Okpebholo, HE. Lucky Imasue. Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri, Engr. Gideon Ikhine, Col. David Imuse (Rtd.), and Gen. Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere (Rtd.Rtd.
Others are Sen. Oserheimen Osunbor, Blessing Agbomhere, Hon Dennis Idahosa, and Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe