The race for the 2024 Edo State governorship election has taken a dramatic turn with the withdrawal of one of the front-line aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, from the party’s primary scheduled for Saturday, February 17.
Ize-Iyamu, who was the APC candidate in the 2020 governorship election that saw the victory of the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced his decision in a letter addressed to the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and copied to the Edo State Acting Chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe,Â
In the letter dated February 16, 2024, Ize-Iyamu said he withdrew from the race after “exhaustive consultations” with his family, friends, political associates and supporters. He described his decision as “painful” but “imperative” in the interest of the peace and unity that the party “desperately requires” at both state and national levels.
He also said he joined the race a few months ago out of his “passion and commitment” to the cause of rescuing Edo State from its current condition of “decrepitude”. He added that he 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.
He commended the efforts of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) for constituting an “authentic” screening committee that cleared all 12 aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms. He said the gesture helped in restoring the party’s integrity in the eyes of the public.
Ize-Iyamu appealed to his supporters to accept his decision, which he said was very personal, and promised to be there for them at all times. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fatherly role and the party’s national leadership for their fairness and commitment to the democratic process. He also praised the state working committee for their principled stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants. He promised to support any candidate who emerges in the primary as a loyal party man.
Ize-Iyamu’s withdrawal from the APC primary is a significant development that will have far-reaching implications for the party and the state’s political landscape. It could also alter the calculations and expectations of the other aspirants and stakeholders.
Firstly, it could be seen as a gesture of magnanimity and statesmanship by Ize-Iyamu, who has shown that he is willing to sacrifice his personal ambition for the greater good of the party and the state. By doing so, he has demonstrated that he is not a desperate or power-hungry politician, but a loyal and patriotic party man who respects the wishes and interests of his fellow party members and the people of Edo State.
Secondly, it could be a strategic move by Ize-Iyamu to position himself for a future political role or opportunity within the APC or at the national level. By withdrawing from the race, he has avoided a possible clash or confrontation with other aspirants, especially those from his Edo South Senatorial District, who may have seen him as a threat or a rival. He has also endeared himself to the party’s national leadership and the presidency, who may appreciate his gesture and reward him accordingly.
Thirdly, it could be a game-changer for the APC primary and the governorship election, as it might alter the balance of power and influence among the remaining aspirants and their supporters. With Ize-Iyamu out of the race, the APC primary could become more competitive and unpredictable, as the aspirants will have to woo and win over his supporters and delegates. It could also create room for new alliances and permutations among the aspirants and the party’s stakeholders.
Fourthly, it could be a boost for the APC’s chances of winning the governorship election, as it could enhance the party’s image and appeal to the electorate. By withdrawing from the race, Ize-Iyamu has shown that the APC is not a party of imposition or exclusion, but a party of inclusion and consensus. He has also shown that the APC is a party of peace and unity, not a party of crisis and division. This could attract more voters and supporters to the party and give it an edge over the PDP and other parties.
Finally, it could be a challenge for the PDP and Governor Obaseki, who may have to rethink and re-strategize their campaign and governance plans. With Ize-Iyamu out of the race, the PDP and Obaseki may have lost a major target and opponent, who they could have used to discredit and attack the APC and its candidate. They may also have to face a more formidable and united APC, who could pose a serious threat to their re-election bid.
Ize-Iyamu’s withdrawal from the APC primary is a bold and surprising decision that has changed the dynamics and outlook of the Edo State governorship election. It is a decision that could have positive or negative consequences for him, his party, and his state, depending on how the events unfold in the coming days and weeks. It is a decision that deserves reflection, as it could set a new standard and precedent for political conduct and culture in Nigeria.