Less than 24 hours before the All Progressives Congress primary election, a frontline aspirant, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has quit the governorship race.
In a letter of withdrawal he sent to the acting state chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe, to notify the party of his decision, Ize-Iyamu said the decision was painful.
The letter read in part, “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 of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself, had been disqualified from the governorship contest.
“The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all 12 aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificate. 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 very personal decision and I promise to be there for them at all times.
“Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that my teeming supporters and I shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding on Saturday (today),” he added.
Text except headline courtesy of Punch
