Less than 24 hours before the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to select its flag bearer for the September 21 governorship election in Edo state, a prominent aspirant, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has officially withdrawn from the race.
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu made the announcement on Friday, February 16, in a statement provided to journalists. The withdrawal notice was directed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.
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The full text of the withdrawal letter reads: “A few months ago, after extensive consultations with family, friends, political associates, and supporters, I entered the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial race due to my passion and commitment to rescuing Edo state from its current state of decrepitude.
“I joined the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible, and transparent. I appreciate and commend the 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.
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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 praiseworthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.
“Despite being cleared to contest, I regrettably announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after exhaustive consultations 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.
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“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 their 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.
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I am extremely appreciative of 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 pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow.
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