By Kelly Odaro, PhD
In politics, misinformation is often deployed as a strategic weapon by those who feel threatened by the rising influence of a formidable opponent. Such tactics are not new in Nigeria’s political landscape, where rumours, doctored documents and deliberate distortions of facts are frequently used to confuse the public and weaken perceived strong contenders.
The latest example of this unfortunate practice is the circulation of a purported “letter of withdrawal” allegedly issued by, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu claiming that he has withdrawn from the 2027 Edo South Senatorial race.
A careful examination of the document, however, exposes it for what it truly is: a poorly manipulated and misleading fabrication. The so-called letter is nothing more than a recycled version of the 2024 withdrawal letter issued by Ize-Iyamu during the Edo State governorship race. At that time, he voluntarily stepped down in support of the current governor, Monday Okpebholo in the overall interest of unity, equity and cohesion within the (APC).
What political mischief-makers have attempted to do is to crudely alter the context of that earlier letter and present it as a recent withdrawal from the 2027 Edo South senatorial contest. This act of manipulation is not only deceptive but also a clear attempt to sow confusion within the political environment and mislead party members and the general public.
For the avoidance of doubt, Pastor Ize-Iyamu has not withdrawn from the race for the Edo South senatorial ticket. On the contrary, he remains actively engaged in consultations across the district, meeting party leaders, grassroots stakeholders and supporters as part of the democratic process that precedes the party primaries.
The attempt to circulate a false withdrawal letter reveals more about the anxiety of his opponents than it does about his candidacy. In politics, desperation often manifests when rivals begin to recognise the growing strength and popularity of a candidate they fear may be difficult to defeat. The spread of fabricated documents is therefore a sign of political apprehension.
Indeed, within the Edo South political landscape, it has become increasingly evident that Ize-Iyamu is widely regarded as a formidable contender for the APC senatorial ticket. His longstanding involvement in public service, his deep roots within the party structure, and his broad network of political allies have made him one of the most recognisable and influential figures in the district.
More importantly, his engagement with party members at the grassroots level has continued to strengthen his position ahead of the primary election. Consultations with stakeholders, party elders, youth groups and community leaders are ongoing, reinforcing his commitment to the democratic process and to the ideals of the party.
It is therefore unsurprising that certain interests, unsettled by the momentum surrounding his candidacy, would resort to misinformation in an attempt to distort reality. Yet history has repeatedly shown that propaganda and political falsehoods rarely succeed in the long run, particularly when the facts are clear and easily verifiable.
Within the APC, the expectation remains that the Edo South senatorial ticket will be determined through a transparent, credible and democratic primary process. That process will ultimately allow party members to decide who best represents their aspirations and who possesses the political capacity to advance the interests of the district at the national level.
For his part, Pastor Ize-Iyamu has consistently demonstrated respect for party structures and internal democracy. His previous decision to step aside in 2024 in support of Governor Okpebholo was widely seen as an act of political maturity and commitment to party unity. That decision helped consolidate the party’s strength in the state and reaffirmed his reputation as a leader who places collective interest above personal ambition.
Today, however, the context is different. The Edo South senatorial race represents another opportunity for experienced leadership and effective representation. As consultations continue, Ize-Iyamu remains focused on engaging stakeholders and articulating his vision for the district.
The circulation of a fabricated withdrawal letter will not change that reality. If anything, it underscores the growing recognition that he is a leading figure in the race and, quite possibly, the man many consider the candidate to beat in the forthcoming APC primary election.
In the end, politics thrives on competition, but it must also be anchored on truth and integrity. Attempts to manipulate public perception through misinformation may create temporary noise, but they cannot erase the facts. Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu remains firmly in the race, and the democratic process within the APC will ultimately determine the outcome.
Until then, party members and the public would do well to ignore fabricated narratives and rely only on verified information from credible sources.
_Dr. Odaro, a public affairs analyst and political pundit writes from Benin City_.