Governorship candidate of New Nigeria People’s Party(NNPP), Olugbenga Edema has lambasted political associates of former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, for the defecting to All Progressives Congress (APC).
Edema described their defection to APC ahead of the November 16, off-circle governorship election as jumping into a sinking ship.
Reacting to the defection of over 30 associates of the former governor to APC on Wednesday, Edema said the defectors had exhibited a high degree of ignorance about the status of the APC in Ondo State.
According to the candidate of NNPP, if the defectors had done background check of APC, they would have been aware of the INEC report issued on the April 20, 2024 APC primary.
He noted that by the clear provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, APC has no a legitimate candidate for the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
Edema said the primary election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the APC candidate did not follow due process, as disclosed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This was contained in a statement by the former chairman of Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
The statement reads in parts: “They would also have known that the people of Ondo State have rejected the party, and this regime judging from public opinions. The outcome of the #EndBadGovernance and end hunger protest is a clear manifestation of this fact, which is obvious even to the blind. The Almighty God himself has rejected this regime and has torn the Aiyedatiwa’s government. God does not support an unrighteous government.
“In spite of the humongous amount of money from the Federation Account entering the coffers of the state since June 2023, no tangible and visible development can be attributed to this regime.
“Aiyedatiwa’s government has simply weaponised the state resources by deliberately pauperising the Ondo State people. It is waiting for the day of the election to begin to give handouts to the electorate. They have failed because the people of Ondo State are now wiser.
“The defection of Mimiko’s associates to the APC is akin to jumping into a sinking Titanic ship. It is quite unfortunate that these individuals have chosen to align themselves with a sinking ship.
“By the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022, it is clear that the APC does not have a valid candidate in Ondo State. The primary election that led to the emergence of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the APC candidate was marred by irregularities and did not adhere to due process as confirmed by INEC.
“The Electoral Act clearly outlines the procedures for conducting primaries, and it is evident that the process that led to Aiyedatiwa’s emergence was flawed. As such, his candidature is illegitimate. The facts speak for themselves, and it is clear that the APC has failed to adhere to the established rules.”
However, the NNPP governorship candidate expressed confidence that party would emerge victorious at the poll, saying the party would give the people of the state credible and transparent leadership.
Edema said: “Come November 16, the NNPP will emerge victorious. We are committed to offering the people of Ondo State credible and transparent leadership that prioritises their welfare above all else.”