By Abiola Olawale
A two-time governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Hon. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), has announced his withdrawal from the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Jegede who addressed his teeming supporters in Akure, on Thursday, explained that his decision was taken in the interest of the party and the people of Ondo state.
He added that he is committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the party rather than join in compounding them.
The New Diplomat reports that Jegede, was the candidate of the PDP in the 2016 and 2020 elections, respectively, but lost to the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress(APC)
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 “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 recognize 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 our various local government areas to ensure a rancour-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship elections.”
The New Diplomat reports that as at press time, four aspirants have bought the PDP’s N5m Expression of Interest form and N35m Nomination form. They are Adeolu Akinwumi, Olusola Ebiseni, and Otunba Bamidele Akingboye Victor Kolade Akinjo.
The party’s primary election will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The winner of the PDP’s governorship ticket will wrestle with other candidates at the governorship poll scheduled for November 16, 2024.
