An aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the governorship election scheduled for 21 September, Osagie Ize-Iyamu has withdrawn ahead of Saturday’s primaries.
Ize-Iyamu, who was the APC governorship candidate in the state in 2020, confirmed this at a news conference in Benin on Friday.
He said that his decision to withdraw was a difficult one and that he arrived at it after consulting with his friends, family, and political associates.
However, he pledged to support any of the APC governorship aspirants who would emerge victorious in Saturday’s primary.
Ize-Iyamu praised President Bola Tinubu and the party’s national leadership for their impartiality and dedication to the democratic process.
He said he withdrew from the race to preserve the peace and unity of the APC both at the state and national level.
“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,” he said.
He added: “This step was praiseworthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.
“Having been cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race.”
“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.
Ize-Iyamu’s exit has left APC with 11 aspirants for the Saturday’s primaries.
They included Dennis Idahosa, Clem Agba, Monday Okpebholo, Lucky Imasuen, Anamero Dekeri, Gideon Ikhine and David Imuse, Charles Airhiavbere, Oserheimen Osunbor, Blessing Agbomhere, and Ernest Umakhihe.
