At no other time has Edo been as ready and willing to embrace the APC as it is now.

It is common knowledge on the streets of Benin City that the 2024 election is the APC’s to win or lose. The people do not want another mistake. Therefore, it is rational for any sound mind to think that the APC will seize this glorious opportunity with both hands and confront the election with their best candidate—the person with larger popularity and the people’s trust.

Hence, it is mind-boggling that the Edo APC leader allegedly attempted to scuttle the party’s brightest chance to deliver Edo, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Indeed, Ize-Iyamu is the most formidable aspirant right now, a man who has gained a god-like status in Edo, with thousands of dedicated followers. These are people who have been with him, willing to swim against any odds. In the past eight years, a multitude of Edo people strongly believe he is the only homeboy who has stayed with them through thick and thin, and the only candidate who not only understands the problems but also has clear solutions to them. Across the length and breadth of Edo, the name Ize-Iyamu resonates.

A cursory look at social media followership alone shows that Ize-Iyamu not only retained his die-hard followers but also gained thousands more—people who are willing to keep up with him, his ideals, ideologies, and his clear agenda for the state.

When people claim they love Edo State, ask them how many of them stayed back not only to be part of the state’s development but also to genuinely care for the people and contribute to the socio-economic health of Edo. Let them show their investments in Edo State. Can anyone reap where they did not sow? That is what Edo people ask these Lagos/Londoners who now crave to enjoy a soup without knowing how it was prepared.

Regarding Adams Oshiomhole, his antics and plans clearly backfired because men with common sense prevailed. How can you disqualify a Victor Osime from playing for Nigeria? That, in itself, would be self-defeating.

At this point, you may ask, why Oshiomhole was so willing to dent the party’s most defined opportunity to win Edo State? What is he afraid of? Is he scared that Ize-Iyamu will not be a “Yes Man”?

On behalf of all Edo people, women, and children, I thank the National Working Committee of the APC for its fairness and forthrightness. Indeed, it will be a new and splendid dawn for Edo when Ize-Iyamu gets the ticket to run. It is time for Edo to shine again.