February 17, (THEWILL) – Two governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State, former Deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen and Earnest Afolabi Umakhihe, a former Federal Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, have announced their withdrawal from the gubernatorial race.
Earlier, THEWILL reported that a frontline APC aspirant, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, withdrew from the race on Friday.
This followed the decision of the leadership of the APC to zone the governorship ticket to Edo Central.
Ize-Iyamu, Imasuen and Afolabi were among the 12 governorship aspirants screened and cleared by a committee established by the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC.
Imasuen in a withdrawal notice, addressed to his “highly-esteemed supporters” on Saturday, said, he withdrew from the race in the interest of peace and unity.
It reads: “I have concluded that since members of our National Working Committee (NWC), in their wisdom, have expressed their preference for zoning the governorship position to Edo Central Senatorial District, it is wise to align with the party’s decision.
“I am immensely grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me, throughout this journey. Your dedication and passion have been the driving force behind my campaign.
“While this decision was not made lightly, I trust that you will understand, and continue to support our party, as we work together towards our shared goals.
“From the foregoing, I am ready to support whoever emerges as our candidate in the primary election.”
On his part, Umakhihe in a letter addressed to “My dear friends, fans and Supporters”, urged his supporters to team up with another aspirant, Dennis Idahosa, “who is the choice of the party”.
He said, “I am deeply grateful to you for all the support, sacrifices, and commitment to our governorship project.
“It has been a worthwhile journey of our resolve to make a difference in the affairs of our dear Edo State.
“However, following my latest interaction with the party leadership, I will not be contesting the primaries.
“Let us give our support to Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who is the choice of the party.
“There are greater days ahead. God bless you.”
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