Eyitayo Jegede, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in both the 2016 and 2020 gubernatorial elections in Ondo state says he is not interested in seeking the position of the state governor this year.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the gubernatorial election in the state for November 16, 2024.
Jegede made his mind known to his supporters on Thursday at his campaign office in Akure, the state capital.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said he took the decision after several intensive and extensive consultations, consolidations, and reconsiderations
He said: “The event of today has become expedient in the face of the upcoming potential activities in our state and the party.
“As leaders, we owe it a duty to God Almighty and man to not only seek to give back what the Almighty God had endowed us with but also ensure that the party is meticulously supported, guided, and nourished on fertile grounds to provide a basis to grow a system that could yield good fruit for all and sundry.
“A decision has to be taken whether we need to repeat the same process that we passed through in 2016 and 2020.
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.”
Jegede noted that the election of successive governors on the PDP platform had not been based on zoning but on merit.
“I must also state here, albeit clearly, that the succession since the civilian administration had witnessed the emergence of two Governors (Chief Adebayo Adefarati and Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu) from the Northern Senatorial district. Governors Olusegun Agagu and current Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, from Southern Senatorial District.
“The central produced Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Their respective tenure had been based on both constitutional provisions and/or Providence.
“Today, 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 by God’s grace, ultimately win the Governorship election, all the aspirants would be accorded every support that is available at my disposal.
“The time is now to rebuild the party for victory. I am committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the Party rather than join in compounding it.
“I recognize that the success of our party is achievable if we all work together, and I, therefore, request you to join hands with the party leadership in your wards and in our various local government areas to ensure a rancor-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship elections,” he said.