Why I Chose ZLP As Alternative – Ondo Deputy Governor, Ajayi |The Source

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

“The morale of the electorate and progressives-minded people in Ondo state was dampened by the emergence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Barrister Eyitayo Jegede as flag bearers of All Progressives Congress, (APC) and People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) respectively in October 10 Governorship poll.”

This was the submission of the state deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi on Friday, in Akure, when he formally announced his decision to join the Zenith Labour Party, (ZLP).

Ajayi, who was officially received by the chairman of ZLP in the state, Mr Joseph Akinlaja, pointed out that this was what inspired him to seek a credible platform that the people believed and trusted in realising his aspiration to the office of Governor of Ondo State.

According to him, his joining the Zenith Labour Party was to put practical effect to the expectations of the people, who obviously are not enamored by the options offered by the two major parties.

Ajayi, said the party primaries of the two major parties, and the success of subterfuge over and above democratic norms, made him throw his hat into the ring of a more credible Zenith Labour Party platform.

“It is obvious that the affirmation of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN as the candidate of the APC coupled with the seeming failure of the PDP to produce a dependable and formidable alternative has dampened the democratic enthusiasm and morale of the people.

“To stir hope and rechannel the energy of the progressive electorate, I am teaming up with members of the ZLP, a chunk of most of the other members, and my teeming allies from both the PDP and APC.”

The Deputy Governor resigned from the APC on which ticket he became the number two citizen, and joined the PDP where he contested the Governorship primary, and lost to Eyitayo Jegede before moving to the ZLP.

Speaking further, Ajayi said he was humbled by calls, advice and demands from critical stakeholders, supporters and most importantly, the generality of the people to consider himself as the arrow head of a new dependable, credible and vibrant alternative alliance for a desirable leadership for the state.

Describing the ZLP as a dependable platform to rescue Ondo State from a lacklustre, nepotistic and  clannish leadership, he stated that

“today, I formally join the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), to achieve the noble cause of giving Ondo State a new direction and purposeful leadership. I call on all my teeming supporters, friends, followers and the admirers of good governance to show commitment and dedication by mobilizing and campaigning for the Zenith Labour Party in their various wards across the state.

“The collective wishes and yearnings of the good people of Ondo State remain the impetus for the bid to wrestle the governance of the state from political demagogue.”

Immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, who along with others, left the PDP to form the Labour Party, (LP) and later became governor, following the nullification of election result of the candidate of PDP, late Dr Segun Agagu by the Court of Appeal, rode on the same platform to stardom.

But since he formed the ZLP, Mimiko has not been able to win any election. He failed to win a Senate seat under the party.

Opinion is that Ajayi will suffer the same fate. Nobody sees him as a threat to either the incumbent Governor. Akeredolu or the PDP candidate, Jegede.

In the past week, Ajayi has acquired the unenviable reputation of a rolling stone that gathers no moss.

But Ajayi is confident that he gathers moss as he rolls, and would spring  a surprise in October.

Only time will tell.