In a surprise turn of events, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a prominent aspirant in the upcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Edo State, has decided to withdraw from the race. His withdrawal, conveyed in a letter dated February 16, 2024, addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, signifies a significant shift that could impact the political landscape in the region.
Ize-Iyamu’s announcement, made after extensive consultations with his inner circle, reflects his deep concern for the well-being of the party at both the state and national levels. Despite his initial fervor for the cause of rescuing Edo State from its current plight, he expressed a painful yet resolute decision to step back in the interest of peace and unity within the party.
Initially propelled by a fervent commitment to the betterment of Edo State, Ize-Iyamu remarked that he entered the gubernatorial race as a progressive democrat, with a steadfast intention to engage in a fair, transparent, and credible electoral process. However, following a series of consultations with key stakeholders, he concluded that his sacrifice was necessary to foster the much-needed cohesion within the APC.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by the National Working Committee (NWC) in rectifying misconceptions surrounding the screening process, Ize-Iyamu commended the committee’s efforts in restoring integrity and dispelling doubts regarding the eligibility of aspirants. Despite the challenging decision, he urged the people of Edo State and his supporters to respect his choice, emphasizing that it was a deeply personal decision intended to uphold the greater interests of the party.
In extending gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s national leadership for their impartiality and commitment to democratic principles, Ize-Iyamu underscored his unwavering loyalty to the APC, assuring his staunch support for the eventual candidate emerging from the primary.
As the APC prepares for its governorship primary in Edo State, Ize-Iyamu’s withdrawal has injected a new dynamic into the unfolding political narrative, setting the stage for a closely watched contest with far-reaching implications for the region’s future.
