A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has rejected allegations linking him to a manipulated newspaper front page and is preparing legal action against those he accuses of spreading false claims.
Speaking in Benin City, Ize-Iyamu dismissed reports suggesting he fabricated a version of Vanguard Newspaper that declared him winner of a senatorial ticket through party intervention. He described the accusation as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The politician specifically accused Collins Osaghae, an aide to Monday Okpebholo, of circulating the alleged doctored publication alongside statements he considers defamatory.
According to Ize-Iyamu, his legal team has been instructed to begin proceedings unless the claims are substantiated. He is demanding proof of the allegation within 48 hours or a public apology and retraction across multiple media platforms.
In addition, he is seeking ₦2 billion in damages over what his lawyers described as libellous statements intended to damage his image and political ambitions.
Ize-Iyamu, who contested the Edo South senatorial primary, reiterated that he neither created nor authorised any such publication and insisted that the claims are baseless. He maintained that the controversy is part of a wider effort to undermine his standing within the party.
