“We Are Not Part Of Deal With Gov Aiyedatiwa,”  – NNPP, Candidate In Ondo Fault Parties Solidarity Claim

By Ayodele Oni

 

The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Olugbenga Edema, has stated that himself and the party are already in court challenging the eligibility of APC to field a candidate in the last Saturday’s Governorship election.

 He explained that the case is in suit number FHC/AK/CS/103/2024, Olugbenga Edema & anor v. INEC & Ors.

According to him, with this, neither him nor the party could have attended a meeting on Friday in Akure where political parties and their candidates pledged to work with Governor Aiyedatiwa.

“I want to make it clear that neither I nor anyone from the NNPP was part of the meeting where support for Governor Aiyedatiwa was pledged.”

He dismissed the claims that the party was among those who pledged support for Governor Aiyedatiwa.

He maintained that the clarification became imperative in light of a meeting held on Friday, where purported leaders from 13 political parties expressed commitment to collaborate with Aiyedatiwa, who was announced as the winner of the November 16 off-cycle governorship election.

Following a report making the rounds that some political parties, including the NNPP, were part of the meeting at the Government House, Edema specifically stated that he did not attend the meeting, and neither he nor the National Leadership of the NNPP sent any party representative.

The NNPP candidate further asserted that, “The party has not endorsed the current administration, and any claims suggesting same should be disregarded.

 “Our commitment is to the principles of democracy and the welfare of the people of Ondo State. We are focused on our next line of action, which will reflect our values and vision for the state.”

Edema, however stressed the need for political parties to be tenacious in their engagements, rather than mere endorsements, stressing that NNPP remains committed to its ideals and will continue to advocate for the people.