Mr. Israel Ayeni, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate for the upcoming November 16 election in Ondo State, has officially withdrawn from the race.
Ayeni, who secured his candidacy by polling 100 votes to defeat his sole rival, Prof. Ibrahim Ajagunna, at the party’s primary on April 26, announced his decision in a letter made available to journalists on Wednesday in Akure.
Ayeni’s letter of withdrawal emphasized that his decision was made in the best interest of the NNPP. “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,” the letter read.
Confirming Ayeni’s withdrawal, Mr. Peter Olagookun, the NNPP State Chairman, stated that the candidate stepped down voluntarily to pave the way for a stronger candidacy within the party. Olagookun also announced that a substitution governorship primary would be held on Wednesday to select a new candidate.
