Another major contender for the governorship seat in Edo State under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has dropped out of the race.
Ize-Iyamu’s abrupt withdrawal from the closely followed the exit of another contender, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, popularly known as EJ, from the contest following the death of his son in the United States of America.
Speaking on his withdrawal on friday, Ize-Iyamu said that he was not under any pressure to do so, just as he assured the party that he would support whoever emerges as the candidate.
The clergyman-turned-politician added that he had wider consultations with his supporters before arriving at the decision to drop out of the race.
He added that he had communicated his decision via a letter to the national chairman of the party.
The text of the letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party reads in parts:
“A 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 a clearance certificate. This step was praiseworthy and helped restore our integrity in the eyes of the public.
“Having been 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 State 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 extraordinarily hardworking men and women of our campaign organisation who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness, and your 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 held tomorrow.”
