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Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has announced his withdrawal from the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Jegede was the candidate of the PDP in the 2016 and 2020 elections, respectively, but lost out to Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress.
In an address to his supporters across the 18 local government areas of the state, Jegede revealed his intention to withdraw from the poll.
His words: “After several intensive and extensive consultations, consolidations, and reconsiderations, it became obvious that we need to reexamine whether to proceed or take a detour that could guarantee an alignment with the preponderance of opinion in terms of the quest for equitable representation, equity, and fair play particularly at the level of governorship.
“Our party's constitution is not receptive to zoning and this has been demonstrated through the election of successive governors, the elections were not based on zoning but on merit.
“The event of today has become expedient in the face of the upcoming potential activities in our state and the party. A decision has to be taken whether we need to repeat the same process that we passed through in 2016 and 2020. We have an array of governorship aspirants who are competent and distinguished in their various callings.
“We also have those who have shown exceptional qualities including consistency and unalloyed loyalty to the party. I feel it is time to allow these men the opportunity to try their luck in the primary, and ultimately win the governorship election, all the aspirants would be accorded every support that is available at my disposal.
“I, therefore, request you to join hands with the party leadership in your wards and our various local government areas to ensure a rancour-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship elections.”
