Need Help!!! Intermediate shaft removal

I am trying to run oil pump with long hex rod and drill motor.
I can't get the intermediate shaft to rotate and climb up cam gear for removal.
It seems to be very tight tooth engagement between cam and shaft.
I tried coathanger wire (stiff) bent to fit under gear as I always have, no luck, it won't budge.

Maybe I need a bigger screwdriver as what I have is less than 1/2" wide.

What do you think guys/girls??

This is a MRL 416 stroker. Based on 1970 360.