A two-time governorship candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), on Thursday announced his withdrawal from the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Recall that Jegede, was the candidate of the PDP in 2016 and 2020 elections, respectively, but lost to late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress.
However, Jegede, speaking in Akure, the state capital while addressing his teeming supporters across the 18 local government areas of the state, explained that that he was committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the party rather than join in compounding it.
His words: “After several intensive and extensive consultations, consolidations, and reconsiderations, it became obvious that we need to reexamine whether to proceed or take a detour that could guarantee an alignment with the preponderance of opinion in terms of the quest for equitable representation, equity, and fair play particularly at the level of governorship.
“Our party constitution is not receptive to zoning and this has been demonstrated through the election of successive Governors, the elections were not based on zoning but on merit.
“The event of today has become expedient in the face of the upcoming potential activities in our state and the party. A decision has to be taken whether we need to repeat the same process that we passed through in 2016 and 2020. We have an array of governorship aspirants who are competent and distinguished in their various callings.
“We also have those who have shown exceptional qualities including consistency and unalloyed loyalty to the party. I feel it is time to allow these men the opportunity to try their luck in the primary and by God’s grace, ultimately win the governorship election, all the aspirants would be accorded every support that is available at my disposal.
Jegede added that, “The time is now to rebuild the party for victory. I am committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the party rather than join in compounding it.I recognise that the success of our party is achievable if we all work together.
“I, therefore, request you to join hands with the party leadership in your wards and in our various local government areas to ensure a rancour-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship elections.”
Meanwhile, so far, four aspirants, have bought the party’s N5m Expression of Interest form and N35m Nomination form which include Adeolu Akinwumi, Olusola Ebiseni, and Otunba Bamidele Akingboye Victor Kolade Akinjo.
Fidelis David in Akure
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