Edo South senatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has dismissed allegations claiming he cloned the front page of Vanguard newspaper to falsely suggest he emerged winner of the party’s senatorial primary election.
Naija News reports that Ize-Iyamu also threatened legal action against the Special Adviser on Digital Media to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Collins Osaghae, accusing him of circulating the alleged fake publication alongside defamatory remarks.
Addressing journalists at his Benin City residence on Thursday, the APC chieftain described the allegations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image and political reputation.
“Some individuals are clearly desperate to damage my reputation and drag my name through the mud,” he said.
“They even pushed the narrative to the extent of alleging that I intend to contest the 2027 presidential election.”
According to Ize-Iyamu, the alleged manipulation of the Vanguard newspaper front page was orchestrated to embarrass him, but he insisted the move had instead exposed those behind the act.
“The alleged cloning of the newspaper was meant to ridicule me, but those responsible are now the ones facing embarrassment,” he stated.
The former Edo governorship candidate disclosed that he had directed his legal team to commence proceedings against the individual responsible for sharing the alleged publication.
“I have instructed my lawyers to begin legal action against the person who circulated the cloned newspaper,” he added.
In a letter issued by Faithful Stewards Solicitors to Collins Osaghae, the legal representatives described the allegations against Ize-Iyamu as false and defamatory.
The lawyers demanded evidence proving that their client forged the newspaper headline, approved the publication, or played any role in distributing it.
The legal firm further gave Osaghae a 48-hour ultimatum to either substantiate the claims or publicly retract the allegations and apologise.
According to the letter, the apology must be published across seven television stations, seven national newspapers, and multiple online platforms.
The solicitors also demanded ₦2 billion in damages as compensation.
The law firm highlighted Ize-Iyamu’s background as a legal practitioner, former Chief of Staff, former Secretary to the Edo State Government, ordained minister, businessman, farmer, and politician.
Ize-Iyamu participated in the APC Edo South senatorial primary but has challenged the outcome announced by the party’s election committee.
Under the declared results, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama emerged winner of the primary election, while Neda Imasuen finished second and Ize-Iyamu came third.
Despite the dispute, the APC stalwart reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, noting that he mobilised his supporters to back President Bola Tinubu during the presidential primary election.