TheCable

Oserheimen Osunbor, former governor of Edo, has withdrawn his bid to contest the national chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Osunbor, who disclosed his decision in a statement on Wednesday, endorsed Adams Oshiomhole, also a former governor of Edo, for the chairmanship position.

The national convention of the APC will take place on June 23.

Osunbor said he took the decision to step down out of respect for President Muhammadu Buhari and  “to avoid any rancour in our great party”.

He said: “It is common knowledge that I was vying for the position of National Chairman of the APC at the forthcoming national convention for reasons I stated in my 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 note that out of respect for Mr. President 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 APC,  I have decided to withdraw from the race and also endorse Mr 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.”

Osunbor served as governor of Edo between May 2007 and November 2008.