Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, flag bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in last week’s Edo State governorship election, has refuted claims that he is under pressure from party bigwigs to concede defeat.
Ize-Iyamu disclosed this on Thursday in a communique issued by his Director of Communications and Media, Mr. John Mayaki.
he said the clarification became necessary due to media reports on the subject, urging the media to refrain from unconfirmed reporting.
“I was shocked this morning when I saw reports saying I begged Obaseki to return to APC after the election.
“I will restate that I never begged him to return after the election. I deliberately did not reply when I saw all that rumour on the social media with people tagging me in them.
“Now, I saw another report in the media stating that APC leaders are mounting pressure on me to accept defeat. In all fairness to the national leadership of my party, they never mounted any pressure on me.
Ize-Iyamu also emphasized his earlier position that he had yet to make up his mind on his next step.
He added, “I already tweeted that I am studying the result and consulting widely on my next line of action. Speculative reporting must be condemned.
“When I make up my mind, I will let my supporters know. For now, patience is what I implore, not violence; not anger will help us now. Dignity will manifest in how we bounce back from this minor setback.”
In a separate statement, Mayaki stated, “We warned several times that the media should beware of fabrications from Obaseki and the PDP camp, but they did not listen. That is why they have reported that the election was free and fair, and that is why they have said our candidate appealed to Obaseki to come back to APC.
“The video in reference is from three months ago, not after the election, but doctored by Governor Obaseki media handlers to seek undue legitimacy.”