Ondo NNPP candidate withdraws from governorship race

Israel Ayeni, the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ondo, has withdrawn from the race. 

The Ondo state governorship election is scheduled to be held on November 16.

On April 26, Ayeni won the NNPP’s ticket after polling 100 votes to defeat his sole rival, Ibrahim Ajagunna, at the party’s primary election.

In his withdrawal letter released on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital, Ayeni said his decision was in the interest of the party.

“I, Ayeni Oluwatosin Israel, a governorship candidate of the NNPP for the November 16, 2024, election in Ondo State, hereby voluntarily withdraw my candidacy from the contest,” the letter reads.

“My withdrawal is in the best interest of our great party, NNPP.

NAN reports that Peter Olagookun, the NNPP’s chairman in Ondo, said Ayeni willingly withdrew his candidacy to make way for a better candidacy of the party.

Olagookun said there would be a substitute governorship primary for the party on Wednesday.

He added that the change of candidacy would further strengthen the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election.