Edo APC primaries: Ize-Iyamu calls for transparency

Edo South Senatorial aspirant and a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has called on the leadership of the party to ensure transparency and impartiality in the conduct of its forthcoming primaries, warning against candidate imposition.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ize-Iyamu said party members must be allowed to decide freely without fear, coercion or intimidation, noting that the credibility of the process would determine party unity and public trust.

The former governorship candidate further cautioned against undue influence, insisting that directing appointees or stakeholders on whom to support ran contrary to democratic ideals.

He said, “If primaries are to be conducted, they must be transparent and fair. The imposition of candidates, whether directly or subtly, undermines party unity and erodes public trust.

“Directing appointees or stakeholders on who to support is inconsistent with the democratic ideals upon which our party stands.

“We are confident that the leadership of our great party will do what is right. Let party members decide freely, without fear, coercion or intimidation.”

He also used the opportunity to dispel speculations about his political future, declaring that he would not abandon the APC as being suggested in some quarters.

The APC stalwart reaffirmed his loyalty to the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, commending his efforts at repositioning the country, while also lauding Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for what he described as a determined push toward infrastructural development in the state.

He added, “I have no intention of leaving the APC, now or ever, regardless of the circumstances. No disagreement, no provocation, and no temporary setback will drive me from a house I helped to build.”

Ize-Iyamu is going against the incumbent, Neda Imasuen and two-time House of Representatives member, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, in a race that will be fiercely contested.