The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Olugbenga Edema, who contested last Saturday’s governorship in Ondo State, has dismissed the claims that the party was among those who pledged support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
According to Edema, the clarification became imperative in light of a meeting held on Friday, where leaders from 13 political parties expressed commitment to collaborate with Aiyedatiwa, who was announced as the winner of the November 16 off-cycle governorship election.
Following a report making the rounds that some political parties, including the NNPP, were part of the meeting at the Government House, Edema specifically stated that he did not attend the meeting, and neither he nor the national leadership of the NNPP sent any party representative.
According to the NNPP governorship candidate, in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure, the state capital, “The party and I are already in court challenging the eligibility of APC to field candidates in the said election vide suit number FHC/AK/CS/103/2024, Olugbenga Edema & anor v. INEC & Ors.
“I want to make it clear that neither I nor anyone from the NNPP was part of the meeting where support for Governor Aiyedatiwa was pledged,” Edema stressed.
The NNP gubernatorial candidate further asserted that “The party has not endorsed the current administration and any claims suggesting otherwise should be disregarded.”
Edema urged the public and party members to discountenance the alleged participation of NNPP in the purported meeting, reiterating that the party is currently assessing the electoral process and strategizing for the next line of action.
“Our commitment is to the principles of democracy and the welfare of the people of Ondo State. We are focused on our next line of action, which will reflect our values and vision for the state.”