A frontline governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has pulled out of the governorship race with the promise of supporting the party’s choice governorship candidate.
This was contained in a letter personally signed and made available to newsmen in Benin City.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu said his race into the Edo State governorship election, started after due consultation with stakeholders and family members.
“Few months ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, associates and supporters, i joined the Edo state gubernatorial race as a result of my passion commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo state from its current or decrepitude.
“I entered contest as a progressive democrat with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result at a process that is fair, credible and transparent.
“I appreciate the commendable effort made by the National Working Committee (NWÇ) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by 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 praised worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.
“Having being cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to withdraw from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, associates and supporters, I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and the 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 Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. as well as the National leadership for their fairness and commitment to democratic process.
“Likewise, I remain grateful to the state working committee for their principle stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants. I am extremely appreciative to my 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 holding tomorrow”, Ize-Iyamu in his letter of resignation stated.