Two more Edo All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants have withdrawn from the race, ahead of the Saturday’s primaries for the Sept.21 poll.
Former Deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen and a retired Permanent Secretary from the Federal Civil Service, Dr Ernest Umahikhe announced their exit from the race in separate statements in Benin on Saturday.
Earlier, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu had pull out of the race in a a similar manner, bringing the number to three.
Imasuen said that he withdraw based on the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) to zone the position to Edo Central.
“I write to you today with a heavy heart to announce my decision to withdraw from the gubernatorial primaries of our great party in the interest of peace and unity of our great party.
“I have come to the conclusion that since our National Working Committee (NWC), in their wisdom, have expressed their preference for zoning the governorship position to Edo Central Senatorial district, it’s wise to align with the decision of the party.
“I am immensely grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me throughout this journey. Your dedication and passion have been the driving force behind my campaign,” he said.
Similarly, Umahikhe said he stepped down in the interest of peace and unity in the party.
“Our train is making a temporary stop to engender peace and unity in our party, the All Progressivs Congress, APC.
“Frankly, the hardest part about making this decision has been the fate of Edo people, who are faced with diverse challenges.
“They have been more agitated than I’ve ever seen some of them,” he said.
He promised to support whoever emerged from the primaries..
