Finally, Osunbor steps down from APC national chairmanship race

Senator Osereimhen Osunbor-Peoples Daily Newpaper

A major contender for the post of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Governor of Edo State, Senator Osereimhen Osunbor, early on Wednesday announced his resolve to step down from the race.

Osunbor who disclosed this barely 72 hours to the APC National Convention holding in Abuja, explained that his decision was out of respect for President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued in the early hours of Wednesday, Osunbor noted that the decision became necessary “to avoid any rancour in our great party.”

“It is common knowledge that I am vying for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress at the forthcoming national convention for reasons I stated in my press release last week.

“However, after extensive discussions and consultations across the various levels in the party and amongst my family, friends and associates, I hereby issue the following statement:

“Out of respect for Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari and other frontline leaders of the party as well as the need to avoid unduly prolonging the voting exercise during the national convention.

“In the interest of a rancour-free national convention and to ease the work of the National Convention Committee and in the overall interest of our party the All Progressives Congress.

“I have decided to withdraw from the race and also endorse Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole.

“Accordingly, I hereby withdraw my candidature”.

“I thank all those who have expressed support for my candidature but who may feel disappointed by this development. I crave the understanding of everyone,” Osunbor said in the statement.