Prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has debunked the widely circulated report of his exclusion from the race by the Prof Julius Ihonvbere-led screening panel, dismissing it as mere rumor.
Confidently asserting himself as the frontrunner in the upcoming primaries and expressing determination to secure victory in the gubernatorial election, Ize-Iyamu addressed a substantial crowd of supporters and party leaders upon arrival at the Benin airport. He clarified that the screening committee, led by Prof Julius Ihonvbere, cleared only six aspirants, excluding 23 others but allowing them the option to purchase governorship nomination forms.
Ize-Iyamu emphasized the directives issued by the National Working Committee (NWC), stating that all aspirants for the governorship race are permitted to acquire nomination forms. Furthermore, he highlighted his amicable relationship with Senator Adams Oshiomhole, referring to him as a senior brother held in high esteem.
“I want to assure you that I am in the race, and by next week, by the grace of God, I will collect the form. Any Edo person is worthy of the ticket, and I am not a stranger. I want to assure you that your support will not be in vain, and there is nothing to worry about,” stated Ize-Iyamu, addressing concerns about the exclusion rumors.
He clarified the party’s stance, saying, “The highest organ of our party issued a statement to the publicity secretary, particularly for the Edo Governorship election, and specifically said that all those who have aspirations to run for governorship should go and collect the forms.”
Addressing the speculated exclusions, Ize-Iyamu asserted, “I know there were rumors that some people have been excluded, but by that NWC release, that is not possible anymore. The only people that can exclude aspirants are the committee set up by the NWC. I want to assure you that I will contest and win the election.”
Regarding his relationship with the National Leader of the party and former governor of the state, Oshiomhole, he affirmed, “My relationship is cordial. He is my senior brother, and I respect age. We have worked together for many years. He is the leader of our party and a distinguished senator.”
