Lucky Imasuen, a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election taking place in Edo today, News About Nigeria reports.
Imasuen was one of the 12 governorship aspirants who had been screened and cleared by a committee set up by the APC National Working Committee.
His withdrawal was officially communicated through a letter released on Saturday morning.
In the letter addressed to his supporters, Imasuen stated that he was stepping back from the primaries in the interest of peace and unity within the party.
He cited the decision of the party leadership to zone the governorship ticket to the Edo Central Senatorial District as a key factor influencing his decision.
The letter read, “I have come to the conclusion that since members of our National Working Committee, in their wisdom, have expressed their preference for zoning the governorship position to Edo Central Senatorial District, it is wise to align with the decision of the party.”
Imasuen expressed gratitude to his supporters for their unwavering support throughout his campaign, acknowledging their dedication and passion as driving forces behind his political journey.
While stating that the decision to withdraw was not made lightly, he called on his supporters to understand and continue supporting the party.
He expressed his readiness to support the candidate who emerged from the primary election.
The APC’s primary election in Edo State is expected to proceed with the remaining contestants, as another contender, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, also announced his withdrawal from the race on Friday.
Ize-Iyamu, a top contender, communicated his decision through a letter sent to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the acting state chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe.
