The New Nigeria Peoples Party governorship candidate for the upcoming November 16 election in Ondo State, Mr. Israel Ayeni, has announced his withdrawal from the race.
Ayeni secured the party’s nomination by garnering 100 votes, triumphing over his sole competitor, Prof. Ibrahim Ajagunna, during the primary held on April 26.
In a letter of withdrawal addressed to journalists in Akure on Wednesday, Ayeni emphasized that his decision was made in the best interest of the party.
“I, Ayeni, Oluwatosin Israel, a governorship candidate of NNPP for the November 16, 2024 election in Ondo State, hereby voluntarily withdraw my candidacy from the contest. My withdrawal is in the best interest of our great party, NNPP,” the letter read.
Confirming Ayeni’s withdrawal, the NNPP State Chairman, Peter Olagookun, stated that Ayeni stepped down voluntarily to allow the party to present a stronger candidate.
Olagookun informed the press that a substitution primary would be held on Wednesday to select a new candidate. He expressed confidence that this change would bolster the party’s chances in the upcoming election, saying that it would “further strengthen the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.”