Osagie Ize-Iyamu Withdraws from Edo APC Governorship Primary

In anticipation of Saturday’s governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, one of the front-line aspirants, has withdrawn from the race

Ize-Iyamu’s withdrawal letter, dated February 16, 2024, was addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and copied to the Edo State Acting chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe. Describing his decision as painful, Ize-Iyamu noted that it came after exhaustive consultations with family, friends, political associates, and supporters

He expressed that his decision to withdraw was a sacrifice made in the interest of the peace and unity urgently needed by the party at both state and national levels.

As the former candidate of the party in the 2020 Governorship election, he stated that he entered the race driven by his passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo State from its current state of decay.

He explained that several months ago, following thorough discussions with family, friends, political allies, and supporters, he entered the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial race fueled by his fervor and dedication to the mission of uplifting Edo from its current state of decay.

“Having been cleared to contest. I regretfully 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”, he said.

He also emphasized that he entered the contest as a progressive democrat, fully prepared to engage in a fair, credible, and transparent process and accept its outcome with an open mind

However, he praised the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for rectifying the false impression maliciously propagated by certain individuals that he and other aspirants had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest by a controversial screening committee

“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 praiseworthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public”, he added. He, however, appealed to the people of the state and his supporters to accept his decision, which he noted was very personal, and promised to be there for them at all times.

While expressing gratitude, he thanked President Bola Tinubu for his paternal role and the party’s national leadership for their fairness and commitment to the democratic process.  He commended the state working committee for their principled stance in ensuring fair competition for all aspirants. He pledged his support to any candidate who emerged from the primary, demonstrating his loyalty to the party.

Kanyi Daily recalls that former Secretary to the State Government of Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, had expressed his intention to participate in the 2024 governorship race in the state.