Edo 2020: Oshiomhole Backs Ize-Iyamu Against Gov. Obaseki

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, has thrown his support behind the former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, as the party’s preferred choice for the September 19, 2020 governorship election in Edo State.

Following this development, the hope of the former deputy governor of the state, Pius Odubu, the former Minister of State for Works, Chris Ogiem-wonyi and Maj. General Charles Airhiavbere to become the governorship candidate of the party has been dashed ahead of the party’s primary next month.

There have been speculations from some quarters that the sitting governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, might not be given the second term slot due to his disagreement with the former governor of the state.

Following the crisis in the Edo State chapter of the party, a mock primary was organised a few days ago by four governorship aspirants to select a consensus candidate who will face Obaseki in the primary.

The meeting, however, was not successful, after thugs invaded the venue and dispersed those in at­tendance while the voting exercise was going on.

Oshiomhole, who facilitated Ize-Iyamu’s return to the party has thrown his support behind him to contest against Obaseki at the primary billed to hold on June 22.

A source which revealed that development said, “As it stands, Pastor Osa­gie Ize-Iyamu is confirmed for Edo APC. Oshiomhole has already made up his mind on that.”

“Since he has given the four of them the privilege to pick a consensus candidate but they have failed to do so, with time ticking out, he has settled for Ize-Iyamu.”

“Don’t forget that Oshiomhole masterminded his return to the APC despite the fact that the likes of Odubu, Ogiemwonyi, Airhiavbere and others are strong candi­dates in their own right.”

“The earlier the other aspirants’ queue behind Ize- Iyamu, the better for them.”

“Based on Oshiomhole’s plans, I foresee a situation where Ize-Iyamu will emerge the candidate.”

“At this stage, only Pres­ident Muhammadu Buhari can change that because all the Abuja forces loyal to Oshiomhole have agreed on that.”