A leading aspirant in Edo State, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, has withdrawn from the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He immediately declared support for the youthful representative of Ovia constituency in the House of Representatives, Dennis Idahosa, who he described as “the choice of the party.”

Umakhihe, a retired federal Permanent Secretary, who hails from Edo North Senatorial District, withdrew from the race on Saturday morning.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Chief Lucky Imasuen had also withdrawn from the race, leaving nine of the 12 cleared aspirants in the race.

Umakhihe said: “My dear friends, fans and supporters, I am deeply grateful to you for all the support, sacrifices, and commitment to our governorship project.

“It has been a worthwhile journey of our resolve to make a difference in the affairs of our dear Edo State. However, following my latest interaction with the party’s leadership, I will not be contesting the primaries.

“Let us give our support to Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who is the choice of the party. There are greater days ahead.”

The governorship direct primary election is ongoing across Edo State with the collation scheduled for Benin later today. (The Nation, excluding headline)