New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in Ondo state, Hon Olugbenga Edema, has told associates of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko who on Wednesday decamped to the ruling All Progressive Congress, that they jumped into a sinking boat.
In a statement in Akure, the state capital, he said they have “exhibited a high degree of ignorance about the status of the APC in Ondo State.
In Edema’s words: ” If they have done the due diligence, they would have known that by the INEC report issued following the April 20, 2024 primary, and by the clear provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, the APC does not have a legitimate candidate for the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
According to him, the primary election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the APC standard-bearer did not follow due process, as disclosed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said “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 Himself has rejected this regime and has torn the Ayedatiwa’s government. He does not support an unrighteous government.
“In spite of the humongous amount of money from the Federation account entering the state coffers since June 2023, no tangible and visible development can be attributed to this regime.
“Ayedatiwa’s government has simply weaponised the state resources by deliberately pauperising the Ondo State people. It is waiting for the election day to begin to give handouts to the electorates. 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.”
Edema maintained that the Electoral Act alone is sufficient to establish the illegality of the process, making it unnecessary for a court of law to say so.
The former Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) exuded confidence in the NNPP’s chances of victory at the November 16 polls.
He 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.”
