Mr. Israel Ayeni, who previously stood as the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) gubernatorial candidate for the November 16 election in Ondo State, has opted to withdraw from the race.
Ayeni secured the party’s nomination by garnering 100 votes, surpassing his sole competitor, Prof. Ibrahim Ajagunna, during the party’s primary held on April 26.
In a letter addressed to journalists in Akure and shared on Wednesday, Ayeni stated that his decision to withdraw was motivated by the best interests of the party.
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“I, Ayeni, Oluwatosin Israel, a gubernatorial 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.
Additionally, Mr. Peter Olagookun, the NNPP State Chairman, confirmed Ayeni’s withdrawal, noting that Ayeni willingly stepped down to pave the way for a more viable candidacy within the party.
Olagookun, speaking with NAN over the phone, disclosed that there would be a substitution of the gubernatorial primary on Wednesday. He expressed optimism that this change in the party’s candidacy would bolster their chances of success in the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
