Ize-Iyamu emerges PDP candidate in Edo

Osagie Ize-Iyamu, former secretary to the Edo state government, has emerged candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 10 election in the state.

Announcing the result at the Samuel Ogbumedia Stadium in Benin, David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi state and chairman of the committee, which conducted the primary, said Ize-Iyamu polled a total of 584 votes.

Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, his closest rival, secured 91 votes, while Solomon Edebiri garnered 38 votes.

All the three aspirants are from Edo South, where the party zoned the governorship seat to.

Accreditation of the 713 delegates  took place simultaneously at three centres in Benin.

Those from Edo North were accredited at JBS Estate, and delegates from Edo Central at the party’s secretariat at First East Circular Road, while Okada House on Urubi Street hosted delegates from Edo South.

Before the collation of results, the three aspirants said they were satisfied with the process, describing it as transparent, free and fair.

In his acceptance speech, Ize-Iyamu commended the national leadership of the party and the electoral committee for transparency and fairness in the process.

He said the fight to reclaim Edo would continue until the party produced the governor in the September election.

A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP candidate coordinated the second term campaign organisation of Adams Oshiomhole, the incumbent governor.

He was also the coordinator of Goodluck/Sambo campaign organisation in 2015.

Ize-Iyamu will face Godwin Obaseki, who emerged as the APC candidate on Sunday.