By; RALPH OKHIRIA, Benin.
A factional governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo State, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Tuesday in Benin City restated his claim as the authentic flag-bearer of the party in the September 10 governorship election in the State.
Iduoriyekemwen who made the disclosure during a press conference in Benin City, said his opponent, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was a pretender that should not be taken seriously.
Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen is loyal to the factional national chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Ali Modu Sherif while Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is loyal to the Senator Ahmed Mankafi faction.
The two groups held factional governorship primaries in June, 2016 in Benin City. Whereas the Markafi group held its primary on June 20, the sheriff faction conducted its primary on June 30, 2016.
But addressing newsmen in Benin City, Hon. Iduoriyekemwen insisted that Senator Modu Sheriff is the recognized national chairman of the PDP, thus giving credence to his claim as the authentic standard bearer of the party.
“Ize-Iyamu is just wasting his time. I am the genuine candidate of the PDP for the September 10 governorship election in Edo State.
“Sheriff is the recognized national chairman of the PDP and my primary was conducted by Sherif which means I am the rightful governorship candidate for the Edo State election.
“I have repeatedly told my supporters not to join issues with the Ize-Iyamu group because at the appropriate time the truth will prevail and the court will give its final judgment in favour of Sherif.
“Chief Tony Anenih and other PDP leaders have been sending emissaries to me to renounce my claim to the governorship position but I have always told them that I am the authentic candidate and that what they are doing is an exercise in futility”, Iduoriyekemwen added.
