By Ayodele Oni, Akure
This seems not to be the best of times for the embattled Deputy Governor of Ondo state, Mr Agboola Ajayi, as he is yet to decide his next line of action after losing the governorship ticket of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).
Within the last few days, he has visited Niger state Governor Abubakar Bello, who is chairman of All Progressives Congress, (APC) Reconciliation Committee, and former governor of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, a Chieftain of Zenith Labour Party, (ZLP) among other political leaders.
Details of what was described as consultation were not made public, but report has it that Ajayi has picked the governorship ticket of ZLP.
However, a twist was added at the weekend in another statement by the director of publicity of PDP, Mr Zadok Akintoye, who said Ajayi is still in PDP.
In the statement, Akintoye said: “We take note of the information being promoted and spread across social media platforms that HE. Barr. Agboola Ajayi, the incumbent Deputy Governor and Member of the PDP has concluded plans to join the Zenith Labour Party.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Agboola Ajayi remains a member of the PDP, and has not informed the party of his intention to leave, and remains a well valued and respected member of the party.
“Please note that clarification on the allegation has been sought from the Deputy Governor and assurances given to the leadership of the party of his intention to stay in the PDP.
“We therefore implore all members of the party and the general public to disregard the information as the deputy governor has assured the party leaders and elders (on his honor) of not leaving.
“Our efforts at winning the next election remains ongoing and we are committed to removing the incumbent governor through a free and fair election.”
It was learnt that Ajayi has been meeting a brick wall in his attempt to pick the ticket of a political party to enable him contest against his boss, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in October 10.
With the display of names of governorship candidates and their running mates in the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), the chances of the deputy governor may be hanging, thus the need for clarification on his present status.
Political parties still have the opportunity to replace any of the names, according to INEC time table for the election.
