The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) gubernatorial candidate for the November 16 election in Ondo State, Israel Ayeni, has officially withdrawn from the race.
Ayeni emerged victorious with 100 votes over his sole opponent, Prof. Ibrahim Ajagunna, at the party’s primary on April 26.
However, in a latest development, he formally withdrew from the race.
The NNPP candidate made this known in a letter released to journalists on Wednesday in Akure, stating that his withdrawal was in the party’s interest.
Letter Of From Israel Ayeni
The letter read: “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.”
Meanwhile, the NNPP State Chairman, Peter Olagookun, confirmed the candidate’s withdrawal.
Stronger Candidate
Olagookun emphasised that Ayeni willingly withdrew his candidacy to support the emergence of a stronger party candidate.
Speaking to journalists, the party chair disclosed that the party had planned a replacement governorship primary for Wednesday.
To him, the change in the party’s candidacy would improve the party’s chances of winning in the upcoming governorship election in the state.
