By Ayodele Oni, Akure
The coast is now clear for Ondo state deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi to contest in the October 10 Governorship election, following the release of names of those cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ajayi and another candidate, Rotimi Benjamin, whose name was first sent to INEC had been in contention over the candidacy of Zenith Labour Party, (ZLP).
The deputy governor, decamped from the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) only last week Friday, to ZLP has the sole intention of picking the ticket of the ZLP.
INEC released the final list of nominated candidates for the election on Friday evening at his website with Ajayi’s name and that of his deputy, Mr Gboye Adegbenro.
A statement by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, disclosed that four political parties that earlier made valid nominations have substituted their candidates.
According to the statement, “the Independent National Electoral Commission held its weekly regular meeting on Thursday 20th August 2020 and deliberated on the conduct of the Ondo Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday 10th October 2020 as well as other outstanding elections.
“It will be recalled that on 31st July 2020, the Commission published the provisional list of candidates for the Ondo Governorship election comprising 17 political parties. In accordance with section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and as provided in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released on 6th February 2020, withdrawal and substitution of candidates ended at 6.00pm on 18th August 2020”.
The incumbent Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, a candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) and Barrister Eyitayo Jegede of the PDP also made the list.
