Barely 24 hours to the Edo State governorship election primary, a frontline aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has stepped down from the contest.
The flag bearer of the APC in the last governorship poll, made this known in a letter of withdrawal, which was not dated.
The letter, sent by Ize-Iyamu on Friday to the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, was copied to the Edo State Acting Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe.
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Ize-Iyamu said the decision was a personal and painful one, as he had been one of the top contenders before he decided to quit the race to the surprise of many.
He commended the leadership of the party for ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants and promised to support and work for whoever emerges on Saturday as the flag bearer of the party.
Although he did not disclose who he would now be backing, it was gathered that he has directed his supporters to vote for Senator Monday Okpenholo.
It would have been his fourth attempt at becoming the governor of the state having served as Secretary to the State Government under Governor Lucky Igbinedion.
The letter reads: “Few months ago, after extensively interacting with family, fiends, 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 clearance certificates.
“This step was praise worthy 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.
“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 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 held tomorrow.”
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