EPM in disarray as Pius Odubu buys nomination form, says Ize-Iyamu is not yet a member of the APC and that one man cannot decide his fate

…as Governor Obaseki receives blessings from President Muhammadu Buhari for his re-election

The intrigues heralding the forthcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not seem to be abating anytime soon as the latest has seen different aspirants picking up the APC nomination and expression of interest forms at the whooping sum of N22.5 million.

Monday, 1st of June, 2020 saw former Oredo council chairman, Osaro Obaze picking up the form few hours before the former deputy governor, Pius Odubu picked his.

Political pundits have said that the intense horse trading may just be seeing its early days as they predict that further intrigues awaits the public regarding the Edo 2020 gubernatorial election.

However, individuals close to an aspirant who picked up the nomination form today disclosed to Ik Osamede Media that the disaffection and lack of confidence in the purported consensus candidacy of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu may have prompted the moves.

The source who pleaded anonymity said most of the supporters of the Pius Odubu camp do not support the candidacy of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. He said that that was why the former deputy governor stayed away when the latter purchased his form last week as they prevailed on him not to attend. He added that consultation with his supporters prompted him to purchase his own form today.

“My oga is not in support of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. He has laboured for this party and he does not condone the fact that the chairman does not see him as worthy to be Governor. My oga now wants to take his fate into his own hands,” he said.

When further prompted on what might have triggered the change of stance of his boss after congratulating Ize-Iyamu last week, he told Ik Osamede Media that his boss fears that Ize-Iyamu may not have gone through the right process in becoming a member of the party and that he may not even be a member of the party at all.

According to him, “We know how Ize-Iyamu came into the party, he does not seem to have the blessings of his ward chairman in Ugboko. Hence, the party does not want to lose the State to the opposition when litigations sets in.”

The source who last week told Ik Osamede Media that if Ize-Iyamu later becomes the candidate, many of Odubu’s supporters would switch to support Governor Godwin Obaseki, reaffirmed the position but added that his boss’s desire to pick up his own form was geared towards scuttling Ize-Iyamu’s chances.

He said, “My boss just wants to make a political statement that he is not a push over. My oga was in politics before Oshiomhole. He wants to begin to make his own moves influenced by his personal convictions.”

“My boss sees Godwin Obaseki as a more credible candidate as his massive reforms and infrastructural projects in the state proves it. If push comes to shove, you can bet that Obaseki has the support of Pius Odubu,” he continued.

Ik Osamede Media reliably gathered that the success of the recent meetings of Governor Godwin Obaseki has earned him the jittery of the opposing camps.

Meanwhile preliminary investigations by Ik Osamede has given fresh boost to Governor Godwin Obaseki’s chances as the stance of national leaders of the party and governors suggests Governor Godwin Obaseki’s re-election is a done deal. Strong feelers from the Presidency says his labour in Edo State to ensure the re-election of President Buhari has earned him confidence and support on the part of the President.

According to our source, “Considering the work of the Governor during the 2019 elections and the fact that President Buhari is very big on repaying loyalty, you’ll see why the President gave his blessings to Governor Godwin Obaseki. Don’t forget the country is now facing serious economic problems, so Governor Godwin Obaseki is highly needed to help Edo State through it.