February 16, (THEWILL) – Ahead of the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State, the leadership of the party have agreed to zone the governorship ticket to Edo Central.
A source familiar with the development told THEWILL that President Bola Tinubu has given his blessing to the zoning arrangement.
The APC has scheduled Saturday, February 17, for direct governorship primary in Edo State.
Earlier, the party cleared 12 governorship aspirants for the primary election.
The aspirants cleared include Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; former Minister of State, National Economic Planning, Prince Clem Agba; Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central; former Deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen; member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri; former APC governorship candidate and Engr. Gideon Ikhine.
Others include the immediate past Edo APC chairman, Col. David Imuse; former Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niget Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Major. General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd); former Governor, Oserheimen Osunbor; former Zonal Organising Secretary (South-South), Dr Blessing Agbohmere; Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe and member representing Ovia South/West-Ovia North/East Federal Constituency, Dennis Idahosa.
Meanwhile, one of the 12 aspirants, who was the party’s governorship candidate in the last governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has announced his decision to quit the governorship race.
Ize-Iyamu, in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said he exited the guber race, making a sacrifice in the interest of peace and unity that the party desperately requires in Edo State state and national level.
Dated February 16, the 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 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 eroneous 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 forns were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certficates. The step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity în 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 becorne 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 nationat lavels. 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. l acknowledge the fatherty role af President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s National leadership for their faitness 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 organisation, 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.
“Thank you, and may God bless us all. Amen”
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