The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has reacted to the endorsement of Osagie Ize-Iyamu, All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Obaseki said it was disappointing and a dilemma that Buhari could endorse Ize-Iyamu despite facing trial for corruption to the tune of N700m.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki sympathised with Buhari over the endorsement.
READ ALSO: Buhari endorses Ize-Iyamu for Edo Governorship
A statement by Osagie said Buhari only endorsed Ize-Iyamu in the interest of APC.
The statement reads:
“President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday was confronted with a dilemma of no mean proportion, to raise the hand of Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the APC in the September 19 gubernatorial election taking place in Edo State.
“The President was constrained to carry out the action, which indeed was a dilemma.
“We sympathize with the President, who reluctantly handed the APC candidate, the party’s flag and unveiled him behind closed doors.”
Buhari had endorsed Ize-Iyamu during a meeting some leaders of the APC at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
READ ALSO: Obaseki should be investigated – APC
At the meeting, the president had appealed to the party leaders to work towards Ize-Iyamu’s victory during the elections.
Obaseki and Ize-Iyamu are the leading contenders in the September 19 governorship election in the state.
