Shock Move: Ondo NNPP Governorship Candidate Steps Down

In a surprising turn of events, Mr. Israel Ayeni, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate for the upcoming November 16 election in Ondo State, has announced his withdrawal from the race.

Ayeni secured the NNPP ticket on April 26, garnering 100 votes to triumph over his sole rival, Prof. Ibrahim Ajagunna, at the party’s primary. However, in a recent statement, Ayeni declared his decision to step down from his candidacy.

“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,” Ayeni’s statement read.

Mr. Peter Olagookun, the NNPP State Chairman, confirmed Ayeni’s withdrawal, noting that Ayeni made the decision voluntarily to allow for a stronger candidate to lead the party in the upcoming election.

Speaking to newsmen, Olagookun stated, “Ayeni willingly withdrew his candidacy to give way for a better candidacy of the party.” He further mentioned that a substitution governorship primary would be held on Wednesday to select a new candidate.

Olagookun expressed confidence that the change in candidacy would bolster the party’s chances of victory in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.

Stay tuned for more updates on the NNPP’s new candidate and the upcoming election.