Balogun Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), a two-time governorship candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has officially declared his withdrawal from the forthcoming 2024 governorship election in the state.
Balogun Eyitayo Jegede, who was the PDP candidate in the 2016 and 2020 elections, respectively, made this announcement during an address to his supporters across the 18 local government areas of the state in Akure, the state capital. He stated that he is more committed to ensuring victory for the PDP at the poll and is willing to make all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the party rather than join in compounding them.
After several consultations, consolidations, and reconsiderations, Jegede explained that it became apparent that there was a need to re-examine whether to proceed or take a detour that could guarantee an alignment with the preponderance of opinion in terms of the quest for equitable representation, equity, and fair play, particularly at the level of governorship.
Jegede also noted that the party constitution is not receptive to zoning, and this has been demonstrated through the election of successive governors. The elections were not based on zoning but on merit.
He further stated that the decision to withdraw has become expedient in the face of the upcoming potential activities in the state and the party. A decision has to be taken whether to repeat the same process that they passed through in 2016 and 2020.
Jegede recognized that the party has an array of governorship aspirants who are competent and distinguished in their various callings. He also acknowledged those who have shown exceptional qualities, including consistency and unalloyed loyalty to the party. In his opinion, it is time to allow these men the opportunity to try their luck in the primary, and by God's grace, ultimately win the governorship election. All the aspirants would be accorded every support that is available at his disposal.
He noted that the time is now to rebuild the party for victory, and he is committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the party rather than join in compounding them.
Balogun Eyitayo Jegede recognized that the success of the party is achievable if everyone works together and, therefore, requested his supporters to join hands with the party leadership in their wards and in the various local government areas to ensure a rancor-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship elections.