* Ize-Iyamu

There are strong indications  President Muhammadu Buhari may have distanced himself from Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19, 2020 Edo State gubernatorial election

It has been the practice for President Buhari, as the leader of the ruling party, to receive all APC candidates in Aso Rock to reaffirm his support for the candidates.
 But in a sudden twist, Buhari has refused to see Ize-Iyamu.

A reliable source within the Villa, who spoke on condition of anonymity, reports  President Buhari saying: “I cannot be seen with someone my administration isEdo 2020:  Ize-Iyamu's Ambition Suffers Setback as Buhari Keeps Him at Arms Length

There are strong indications  President Muhammadu Buhari may have distanced himself from Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19, 2020 Edo State gubernatorial election

It has been the practice for President Buhari, as the leader of the ruling party, to receive all APC candidates in Aso Rock to reaffirm his support for the candidates.
 But in a sudden twist, Buhari has refused to see Ize-Iyamu.

A reliable source within the Villa, who spoke on condition of anonymity, reports  President Buhari as saying: “I cannot be seen with someone my administration is prosecuting in court for N700 million loot. I cannot support him. It was Oshiomhole’s mistake that led to his emergence. I don’t really know him and he can’t be trusted. We would allow Edo people decide.”

It is also customary that the president flags-off a gubernatorial campaign with all the APC governors in attendance but there are indications  that neither President Buhari nor key APC governors would be around for the flag-off as that could mean  openly identifying with a supposedly corrupt man according to records

The support base of Ize-Iyamu has received the news with shock and disappointment as they are now meeting to decide what to tell Edo people as reasons why President Buhari will be absent in their flag-off.

Sources also revealed that “Ize-Iyamu’s camp has decided to use COVID-19 as the best excuse on Buhari’s absence; they are also mindful of the PDP’s capacity to expose them which will further show that all is not well in their camp and that the much touted Federal Might by them was a ruse and a mirage which they have used to deceive their unsuspecting supporters"

It will be recalled that the Federal High Court sitting in Benin Tuesday July 2 adjourned the trial of Ize-Iyamu, and others to October 15, 2020.

The APC governorship candidate, the immediate past state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Orbih, the incumbent state chairman of PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, former Deputy Governor of Edo State Lucky Imasuen, and Efe Erimuoghae Anthony are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The accused are facing eight-count charges bordering on alleged illegal receipt of public funds to the tune of N700 million for the purpose of the 2015 general election.

The anti-graft agency in suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016 also accused the defendants of conspiring among themselves to commit the offence in March, 2015, alleging that they took possession and control of the funds without any contract award.
 prosecuting in court for N700 million loot. I cannot support him. It was Oshiomhole’s mistake that led to his emergence. I don’t really know him and he can’t be trusted. We would allow Edo people decide.”

It is also customary that the president flags-off a gubernatorial campaign with all the APC governors in attendance but there are indications  that neither President Buhari nor key APC governors would be around for the flag-off as that could mean  openly identifying with a supposedly corrupt man according to records

The support base of Ize-Iyamu has received the news with shock and disappointment as they are now meeting to decide what to tell Edo people as reasons why President Buhari will be absent in their flag-off.

Sources also revealed that “Ize-Iyamu’s camp has decided to use COVID-19 as the best excuse on Buhari’s absence; they are also mindful of the PDP’s capacity to expose them which will further show that all is not well in their camp and that the much touted Federal Might by them was a ruse and a mirage which they have used to deceive their unsuspecting supporters"

It will be recalled that the Federal High Court sitting in Benin Tuesday July 2 adjourned the trial of Ize-Iyamu, and others to October 15, 2020.

The APC governorship candidate, the immediate past state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Orbih, the incumbent state chairman of PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, former Deputy Governor of Edo State Lucky Imasuen, and Efe Erimuoghae Anthony are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The accused are facing eight-count charges bordering on alleged illegal receipt of public funds to the tune of N700 million for the purpose of the 2015 general election.

The anti-graft agency in suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016 also accused the defendants of conspiring among themselves to commit the offence in March, 2015, alleging that they took possession and control of the funds without any contract award.