The Adams Oshiomhole faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has picked Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as its candidate for the June 22 governorship primaries.
In his swift reaction, Governor Godwin Obaseki described the action as an effort in futility, insisting that he is going to get a re-election ticket and win the general election on September 19.
Ize-Iyamu, a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2016 Edo election.
He was defeated by Obaseki who contested on APC platform.
On Wednesday in Abuja, Ize-Iyamu picked the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to enable him to contest in the June 22 primary.
Ize-Iyamu, who bought the forms at the cost of N22.5 million at the party’s National Secretariat Abuja, promised to address the insecurity and slow pace of development in Edo, if elected.
The aspirant added that if elected governor, he would implement an articulated roadmap which he called “Simple Agenda.”
“I have sat down with experts and we have articulated the roadmap which I call the “Simple Agenda.”
“It is a realistic document and by the grace of God, the moment we enter office, we will begin to implement it,” he said.
Ize-Iyamu said that seven aspirants had resolved to choose and support him after the intervention of the party elders in the state.
“In this election that is coming up, many of them wanted to contest; many of them were prevailed upon to contest because of existing situations.
“But thank God for elders amongst us who also reasoned that it will not make sense for us all to collect the form,” he said.
According to him, that process of having a concensus aspirant among them has been on for quite a while.
The aspirant said that some people had even thought that agreement could not work, but added that because of the calibre of those involved, it had worked.
“Some days ago, we had our last meeting and the remaining seven of us resolved that before picking the form, we should agree on one person to support.
“So, we decided to put money together to support whoever we chose. I am happy to announce that at the end of the day, I was chosen amongst this formidable group.
“Some of them are here but one or two had to leave because of other engagements,” he said.
Ize-Iyamu emerged the consensus candidate of the Oshiomhole faction on Tuesday night.
The former Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG) was unveiled by chairman of the screening committee, Senator Francis Alimikhena, who represents Edo North Senatorial District.
Other members of the screening committee were a former Edo deputy governor, Lucky Imasuen; Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe; former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Thomas Okosun; former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie; former member of the House of Representatives, Patrick Obahiagbon and the current Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives, Peter Akpatason.
