Ondo Election: You had no candidate, NNPP's Edema tells APC

The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Olugbenga Edema, who contested the recent governorship election in Ondo State

The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Olugbenga Edema, who contested last Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, has reiterated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not have a valid candidate.

Edema, who is contesting the eligibility of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in court as the APC’s standard-bearer in the just-concluded poll, dismissed claims that the NNPP was among those who pledged support for the governor.

According to Edema, the clarification became necessary following a meeting held on Friday, during which some purported 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.

In response to reports suggesting 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, nor did the national leadership of the NNPP send any party representative.

The NNPP gubernatorial candidate, in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure, the state capital, said: “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.

The NNPP gubernatorial candidate further asserted that the party has not endorsed the current administration, and any claims suggesting the same should be disregarded.

Edema urged the public and party members to discountenance the alleged participation of the NNPP in the purported meeting, stating: “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.”

Edema also stressed the need for political parties to avoid cynicism in their engagements and urged them to refrain from ‘arranged’ and superficial endorsements.

He reiterated that the NNPP remains committed to its ideals and will continue to advocate for the people.