By SIMON EBEGBULEM
BENIN CITY- Political tension heightened in Edo State, Thursday, when loyalists of the South-South Vice-Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, frustrated the move by some members of the party, to endorse the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Pius Odubu, as running mate to Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the 2012 governorship election.

It was a show of strength between the two groups, Wednesday, during a meeting of the Edo South leadership of the party, but the deputy governor who sensed he may be attacked by supporters of Ize-Iyamu, boycotted the meeting. But the leaders commenced the meeting when it became clear that the deputy governor was boycotting the meeting.

The Ize-Iyamu group had advised Governor Adams Oshiomhole not to pick Dr. Odubu as his deputy in the forthcoming 2012 governorship election if he intends to get its support.

That was why the entire leadership of the party endorsed the Governor for a second term last Sunday but without his deputy. However, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, who addressed the party members yesterday at a well attended meeting where they also endorsed Oshiomhole for a second term, hinted that the Bini would only support candidates who will not disappoint the people.

He urged the party members to be dedicated and prepare for the forthcoming governorship election. Some of the leaders at the meeting includes the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Uyi Igbe, Charles Idahosa, State Woman Leader of the party, Modino Emovon, Chief of Staff to the state government, Osarodion Ogie, House of Assembly members and others.