Barely nine days to the October 10 gubernatorial election in Ondo state, some ten political parties have agreed to adopt a consensus candidate from among the leading rivals for the number one seat in the state.
The three leading rivals in the October 10 governorship election are incumbent Governor and candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Rotimi Akeredolu(SAN), Chief Agboola Ajayi, deputy governor and candidate of Zenith Labour Party(ZLP) and Mr Eyitayo Jegede, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).
The parties are working together under the Conference of INEC Registered Political Parties (CIRPP). According a NAN report, the CIRPP said this in Lagos on Thursday in a statement jointly issued by its Chairman, Mr. Olugbemi Ogunbameru (SDP), Secretary, Comrade Israel Ayeni (AAC) and some other members of the coalition.
It, however, said it had not decided on any consensus candidate for now, but would make its position known soon. “The CIRPP Will, however, make its position known as to who to support and work for within 72 hours”, the coalition said.
“The CIRPP, hereby, informs the general public that the committee has not adopted any candidate for the slated election as insinuated by the public and envisaged by a group of persons who are not members of registered political parties.”
“There are earlier insinuations that the CIRPP is working and supporting a particular party, but there is nothing of such.”
According to it, the sole objective of the body is to seek, propagate credibility and ensure good governance in the Sunshine State for the betterment of our democracy without political sentiment.
The coalition said that development, would in turn, enable all citizens and residents of Ondo State to have the full benefit of the dividends of democracy.
“It is our priority to ensure that the people of Ondo State will be guided to vote for the right person. It is our joy that a compassionate person wins in the forthcoming election,” it said.
The statement was co-issued by Dr Ajibola Falaiye (Accord), Mr Olaoluwa Adesanya (APP), Chief Tokunbo Adetoro (ADC) and Prince Niran Toyin (APGA). Others in the coalition are Mr Felix Funso Oloro (APM), Mr Olagookun Peter (NNPP) Mrs Funmilayo Ataunoko (NRM) and Mr. Amos Agunloye (LP).
In a related development, The New Diplomat had earlier reported that former Ondo governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and some top members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Tuesday, over a possible merger between the candidate of PDP, Mr Eyitayo Jegede and candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Mr Agboola Ajayi to ramp up a strong opposition against incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s re-election at the poll scheduled for October 10.
