In anticipation of the upcoming primary election of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State scheduled for Saturday, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, one of the party’s aspirants, has opted out of the governorship race.

Ize-Iyamu, who had previously contested against the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki in both 2016 and 2020, was among the 12 governorship aspirants cleared by the party’s screening committee chaired by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja.

Speculation suggests that Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the APC leader in Edo, is throwing his weight behind Dennis Idahosa, another aspirant, although Oshiomhole has not officially endorsed Idahosa. Nevertheless, his loyalists and supporters have been actively mobilizing for the aspirant.

It was Oshiomhole who spearheaded the campaign for Ize-Iyamu to unseat Obaseki four years ago, albeit unsuccessfully.

Addressing journalists in Benin, the state capital, Ize-Iyamu clarified that his decision to withdraw from the race was prompted by the desire for peace and unity within the party, both at the state and national levels.

He commended the efforts of the national working committee of the party in dispelling the notion that some aspirants, including himself, had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest.

Ize-Iyamu stated, “Having been cleared to contest the primary, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race after consultation with my family, friends, political associates, and supporters. I make this sacrifice in the interest of peace and unity of our party desperately needed at the state and national levels.”

As a committed party member, Ize-Iyamu pledged his support, along with his numerous supporters, to any candidate that emerges victorious in the primary election.

The primary election will be overseen by a seven-member team chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.