A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the October 10 election in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, seems to have things looking bright for him ahead of the party’s primary election on Wednesday with 114 delegates backing his candidacy against others, one of which is the incumbent Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, who recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The endorsement is from delegates representing Akure South Local Government Area of the state, who pledged to vote for Jegede in tomorrow’s primary election.
In a remark by a former deputy governor of Ondo, Otunba Omolade Oluwateru, Jegede was described as having paraded the best qualities and deserved to win the party’s primary.
Jegede was said to be a trustworthy personality because he has sustained his loyalty to the PDP despite losing the governorship election in 2016.
Oluwateru, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda and a member of the PDP Board of Trustees said:
“This is a golden opportunity for you, to tell the entire people of Ondo State that Akure has an exceptional son who can fulfill the yearnings and aspirations of the masses of the state.
“We have all been behind Jegede all this while because we can see ahead, that the people of the state stands to gain much in terms of employment generation, social infrastructure, agricultural revolution, solid health services, educational growth, among others,” he said.
Also, a legislator who represents Akure South/North Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedayo Omolafe, said Jegede was a leader who gives priority to the welfare of his followers.
Another lawmaker who represents Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikengboju Gboluga, disclosed that he was a beneficiary of the generous disposition of Jegede.
Jegede however, stated that the Deputy Governor of the State, Agboola Ajayi was not a threat to his ambition.
“In all my career, I have never been found wanting and I have overcome greed in any appearance.
“If you cast your vote for me in this primary election, and if I eventually win the governorship race, nobody will be forgotten in terms of spreading the dividends of democracy”, Jegede assured his supporters.
A statement emanating from the camp of Deputy Governor Ajayi’s campaign organisation, has warned against disparaging comments against any of the aspirants of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The statement, signed by the Director-General of the organisation, Dr Kola Ademujimi reiterated that the aim of all PDP aspirants was to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and not to fight one another.
Ademujimi, in the statement dismissed comments that Ajayi is a new member of the PDP. He noted that the assertion was incorrect, stating that Ajayi was a foundation member of the PDP.
“From 1998 when he joined the PDP, till 2016 when political exigencies drove him out of the party, he has conducted himself as a bridge-builder and a conscious networker in and out of party and politics.
“His humility, uncommon large-heartedness and generosity, palpable political dexterity and convincing demonstration of political sportsmanship have consummated his wide acceptance within a short period of his return to the party he helped uphold its umbrella for 18 years.
“We are thankful for this uncommon show of love and trust, which we at the Alfred Agboola Ajayi Campaign Organisation (3ACO) have enjoyed across the 18 LGAs during our statewide tour and assure you that we will never take it for granted.
“The ACO is proud of the untiring and creative strategies with which we presented our aspirant as a competent grassroots politician who rose through the ranks to serve in many executive positions at both the party and government levels.
“His legislative experience as a former member of the House of Representative added to his widely accepted political resume of over three decades among our party members.
“Our campaign issues were purely about positioning our party as a formidable, organised and victory-ready political platform for the sustainable development of party men and women as well as the non-partisan masses, technocrats and civil servants of the Sunshine State,” he said.
Ademujimi emphasised the need to have a rancour-free election that is truly democratic , transparent, fair and generally credible; urging members to pray for the process.
