The candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Olugbenga Edema, on Thursday, mocked 30 associates of ex-governor Olusegun Mimiko, who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
On Wednesday, about 30 associates of Mimiko announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State to the APC, declaring their support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to win the upcoming poll.
The party chieftains described the PDP as a sinking ship, which could not win election either in Ondo State at the national level.
But in a statement on Thursday, the NNPP candidate described the decision of Mimiko’s allies as unfortunate and ill-informed.
He said, “The defection of Mimiko’s associates to the APC is akin to jumping into a sinking Titanic ship. It is quite unfortunate that these individuals have chosen to align themselves with a sinking ship.
“By the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022, it is clear that the APC does not have a valid candidate in Ondo State. The primary election that led to the emergence of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the APC candidate was marred by irregularities and did not adhere to due process as confirmed by INEC.
“The Electoral Act clearly outlines the procedures for conducting primaries, and it is evident that the process that led to Aiyedatiwa’s emergence was flawed. As such, his candidature is illegitimate. The facts speak for themselves, and it is clear that the APC has failed to adhere to the established rules.”
Edema, who is a former Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission expressed confidence in the NNPP’s chances of victory at the November 16 polls.
“Come November 16, the NNPP will emerge victorious. We are committed to offering the people of Ondo State credible and transparent leadership that prioritises their welfare above all else,” he said.