Hours before the scheduled primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Lucky Imansuen, a former deputy governor and gubernatorial aspirant, has withdrawn from the governorship race. His decision aligns with the APC National Working Committee’s (NWC) resolution to zone the governorship seat to the Edo Central Senatorial District.
Imansuen’s withdrawal on Friday night follows similar decisions by two other aspirants, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Ernest Umakhine, who also opted out of the race. In a personally signed statement, Imansuen expressed his decision as a move in the interest of peace and unity within the party.
The statement reads: “I write to you today with a heavy heart to announce my decision to withdraw from the gubernatorial primaries of our great party scheduled for tomorrow, 17th February 2024, 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.”
Imansuen assured his supporters of his readiness to back whomever emerges as the party’s candidate in the primary election and thanked them for their continuous support.
