After weeks of “gbas-gbos” in the internal politics of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a candidate has finally emerged as flagbearer for the party at the September 19th Edo Governorship election.

According to the results declared by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state; Chairman of the Edo APC Primary Election Committee, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu emerged victorious at the direct primaries, raking in 27,838 votes to defeat his contenders, Dr. Pius Odubu who scored 3,776 and Osaro Obazee who polled 2,751 votes.

Following the announcement, torrents of praise flooded Twitter as supporters of the party declared happiness at the outcome of the elections. Many praised Ize-Iyamu as a formidable character that would achieve great things if elected into office. 

Congratulations to the incoming governor of Edo State, his excellency Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu

— Lawal Jamiu (@lawaljamiuolat1) June 22, 2020

Combination of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Oshiomole is like having Ronaldo and Messi on the same team. No Defense can stop them from winning 18 – 0.

— Horlamidey (aspiring senator) (@Olamicome) June 22, 2020

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is a political colossus who has managed to build a strong structure across Edo state and beyond thanks to his leadership qualities, uncommon vision, clatity of thought and unifying skills. #HBDToTheIzeIyamus pic.twitter.com/CSYxbOVWid

— SME Media (@media_sme) June 21, 2020

Point of correction:

"Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu" has been successfully installed as the flagbearer of the APC for the Edo 2020 Governorship election.

Pls, put some respect on the word "WIN." You can't say he "won" when there's no "contest."

— Afri-Sagacity (@afrisagacity) June 22, 2020

 

 

 

Some Nigerians turned their directions to the incumbent Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, who had recently defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), mocking his move and stating that despite his efforts, he would still lose in a match against Ize-Iyamu.

While Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has emerged as the Governorship candidate of the APC, Obaseki is still struggling with aspirants in PDP.

*Congratulations to APC!!!* @OfficialAPCNg @JoshuaEdoko @alabi_arvin pic.twitter.com/GF2uXIOzxE

— austin abraham (@austinelarge201) June 22, 2020

 

As expected, some posited that Ize-Iyamu had no chance of winning the Governorship elections and favoured Obaseki instead.

This biggest loser in the Obaseki Vs Oshiomole saga is Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

High Court sitting in Benin City has ruled Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is not a member of the APC.

He pitched his tent with a drowning man, Oshiomole.

— NEFERTITI (@firstladyship) June 19, 2020

 

Godwin Obaseki who had been denied the chance to run for a second term in office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what many have described as a fall out of the discord between him and the suspended National Chairman of the party, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, had defected to the opposition party in pursuance of his second term ambition. 

Nigerians are held in suspense as to who would emerge victorious in the primary elections of the PDP scheduled to hold on Tuesday. The results would determine the second major candidate going head-to-head at the gubernatorial elections holding in September. Many are betting on Governor Obaseki emerging victorious at the PDP indirect primaries, but with news that other aspirants have declined stepping down for the Governor, nothing can be said for certain. 

The PDP has commented on the election of Ize-Iyamu as the flagbearer of the APC and has boasted that the former Secretary to the Edo State Government is no match for any of their aspirants in the race for the Edo Governorship office. 

Edo: Ize Iyamu Is No Match to Any of Our Aspirants- PDP

The @OfficialPDPNig has declared that the @OfficialAPCNg’s candidate for the Edo Governorship election, embattled Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is not a match for any of the PDP aspirants for the Edo governorship election. pic.twitter.com/Y4CSmL4vDh

— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) June 22, 2020