By Ayodele Oni
Olugbenga Edema, one of the allies of late former Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and a gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during April primary, has dumped the ruling party.
Edema, a former chairman of Ondo State oil agency, OSOPADEC has been selected as the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) candidate for the Ondo State gubernatorial election on November 16, 2024.
He was chosen as the party’s standard-bearer during a substituted primary election held in Akure on Wednesday.
The election was conducted to replace Ayeni Oluwatosin, the former NNPP candidate, who voluntarily withdrew from the race.
NNPP State Chairman, Mr. Peter Olagookun, confirmed Oluwatosin’s withdrawal, stating that it was done to pave the way for a stronger candidacy. Olagookun expressed confidence that this change would enhance the party’s chances of victory in the upcoming election.
After being named the NNPP candidate, Edema stated his commitment to leading the party to win the election.
Edema said, “I offer myself as your candidate and standard bearer for the Ondo state gubernatorial election coming up on the 16th November 2024. I accept the challenge, I accept the mandate freely and willingly granted to me today, and I promise not to ever look back.
“I have carefully studied the manifesto of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) which have been skilfully put together by some great minds.
“I have found out that a great deal aligns with our vision as encapsulated in the Igbega Ondo manifesto which has been put together by our team for taking Ondo State out of the woods and setting it on the consolidation and sustainability lane for total development.
“One of the most important aspects of our democratic process is the issue of internal democracy in the affairs of the political parties.
“The issue of internal democracy manifests in the manner that parties conduct their election processes which must be predictable, transparent and in compliance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (1999) (as amended); the Electoral Act, 2002; the Constitution of the various parties and their rules guiding the conduct of their elections.
“It is in the public domain that the purported primary election conducted by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on 20/04/2024 for the selection of its gubernatorial candidate for the 16th November 2024 election is lacking in these attributes and as such cannot be described as democratic.
“This act of impunity should not be supported and be allowed to continue in our polity. It is trite that you cannot give what you do not have.
“And as the saying goes ‘a house built with spittle will certainly collapse under the early morning dew.’ The demise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is just around the corner like its sister, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from which it took over the reign of power.
“It is on this note that I hereby formally announce my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) forthwith.
“I hereby pitch my tent with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), a truly progressive and people-oriented party. This is a party for the immediate future. I don port o!”
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Share your story or advertise with us: WhatsApp: +2348174884527, Email: [email protected]
, during April primary, has dumped the ruling party.){kind=link}