Dennis Idahosa’s chances brighten as Ize-Iyamu withdraws from APC primary less than 24hrs to show time

The contest on who clinches the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag in the Saturday, February 17 primary has taken a new twist. Less than 24 hours to the contest, a veteran contestant in the Edo governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has withdrawn from the race.

 

He announced his withdrawal on Friday, February 16, in a statement made available to journalists.

 

 

 

 

The withdrawal notice was addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.

 

Ize-Iyamu’s withdrawal appears to have brightens the chances of Dennis Idahosa, an aspirant who enjoys the support of allies of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, leader of the APC in Edo.

 

 

Although Oshiomhole has not publicly endorsed Idahosa, his loyalists and supporters have been mobilising for the aspirant.

 

 

Here is the full text of Ize-Iyamu quitting from the APC primary

 

Full text of the withdrawal letter reads: “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 the 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 commended 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 public.

 

 

“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 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 Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s national leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state 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.”