Igbere TV reports that governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State Osagie Ize-Iyamu on Sunday held a thanksgiving first time since losing the election to the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He held the “special thanksgiving service” on Sunday in his parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Soul Winners Assembly in Benin City where he also said God expects man to offer him praises in all situations.

Ize-Iyamu dismissed claims that he is downcast over the outcome of the election, choosing instead to express gratitude for the exercise, as well as immensely thank supporters and those who assisted him.

The APC governorship candidate whose sermon was titled “utilising opportunities” said every opportunity must be seized to achieve an aim, Igbere TV reports.

On the outcome of the election, Ize-Iyamu noted that defeat is an imagined state, and that since the exercise he had not felt defeated.

Furthermore, he admonished his supporters not to allow the seed of defeat germinate among them, as God has decreed that all the “earth is theirs”.

He additionally encouraged his members to heed God’s caution in Thessalonians 5:16-18 that true believers do not “give away to grief’, ‘rejoice evermore’ and ‘pray without ceasing’ as he (God) only can determine the future.”

Edo State RCCG Regional Pastor Prof. Dele Balogun also urged supporters of Ize-Iyamu not to lose focus as God may allow them to lose a battle and later win the war to test their faith.