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A former Ondo State governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Olugbenga Edema, who defected to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has rejected Vice President Kashim Shettima's offer to return to the ruling APC.
The politician was among 15 aspirants who lost the APC governorship ticket to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Edema emerged as the NNPP standard bearer during the substituted primary election of the party held in Akure on Wednesday, to replace the placeholder, Ayeni Oluwatosin, who willingly withdrew from the race.
In his letter of withdrawal, Ayeni said it was in the interest of the party.
Edema, a few hours to his defection met Vice President Shettima and Governor Aiyedatiwa at the airport in Akure, Ondo State capital.
Shettima, who was on a one-day working visit to Ado Ekiti, appealed to Edema to consider returning to the APC.
“I want you to come back home and take your rightful place where you belong,” Shettima said swiftly.
But the NNPP governorship candidate said the people of Ondo State would decide.
“It is too late. I will allow the people of Ondo State to determine who will be their next governor. There is no going back to the APC where I know there is no internal democracy," Edema stated.
