NNPP petitions INEC over impersonations of Edema, Adeyemi

The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has said that he is on a rescue mission to pull the state out of the doldrums.

He said that he was in the race to become the next governor owing to his vision for the state’s economic transformation and sustainable growth.

Ajayi, who spoke during a media briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure ahead of his campaign tour of the 18 local councils of the state, said that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa lacked the capabilities to lead the state.

According to him, economic growth is the most powerful instrument for reducing poverty and improving the wellbeing of the people, adding that he, as a grassroots politician, understands what is required to revive the economy of the state.

The former National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the PDP, Eddy Olafeso, who is the Zonal Liaison Desk Officer of the party in the South-west, described Ajayi as having a personality that is unwavering and persevering.

In another development, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the impersonation of the governorship candidate of the party, Gbenga Edema, and his running mate, Rotimi Adeyemi, in the forthcoming election in Ondo State.

In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, the national secretariat of the party called for swift legal action against the individuals impersonating the candidates.

In a letter signed by its National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, and National Secretary, Dipo Olayoku, the party, while describing the development as a clear breach of the 2022 Electoral Act, identified the individuals as Akintan Michael and Kemi Fasua.

According to the party, INEC was duly notified of the emergency of Edema and Adeyemi as its standard-bearers during the substituted primary held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Solton Hotel, Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State capital, following the withdrawal of Oluwatosin Ayeni and Abigail Omoyugbo for “personal reasons.”

The party maintained that the candidature of Edema and Adeyemi was legally recognised as their names and credentials were published by INEC as the party’s candidates.