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Tag: Agboola Ajayi

  • Ondo guber tribunal verdict: PDP, Ajayi head to Appeal Court

    Ondo guber tribunal verdict: PDP, Ajayi head to Appeal Court

    The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) in the 2024 election in Ondo, Mr Agboola Ajayi, has vowed to appeal the judgement of the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

    The tribunal on June 4 unanimously upheld the victory of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) in the election, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing the petitions against him as speculative.

    Ajayi, in a statement on Tuesday in Akure, said that he and the PDP had undertaken a diligent review of the judgement and will appeal against it.

    “Due cognizance and rapt attention has been accorded to the kernel on which the Hon. Justices based their findings and conclusion, which in our opinion did not accord proper analysis to details of the evidence and exhibits submitted to the tribunal while it sat.

    “Thus to say the very least, we feel disappointed that we didn’t get justice at that level, but we remain undeterred and undiscouraged in our search to ensure that justice is not only served in this matter, but also ensure that honesty begins to prevail in our election process.

    “Therefore, we restate our conclusion to vitiate our rights and desires towards advancing our commitment to the legal process by appealing the judgement of the tribunal at the Court of Appeal,” Ajayi said.

    While reiterating his commitment and that of his party to get justice, Ajayi said the country’s democracy would be a mere mockery and totally unworthy of celebration if electoral laws were not adhered to.

  • Ondo 2024: PDP candidate opens up on priority

    Ondo 2024: PDP candidate opens up on priority

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate for the Nov. 14 Governorship Election in Ondo State, Mr Agboola Ajayi, has promised to make agriculture more attractive in the state, if elected.

    Ajayi made the promise while addressing newsmen at the state Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Akure on Wednesday.

    The PDP governorship hopeful, who said the state could feed the entire South-West, if it invested properly in a griculture, accused the current administration of not doing enough to encourage more people to go into farming.

    “There is no single tractor provided for farmers in Ondo State. So, how do you expect mechanised farming to thrive in such state?

    “I believe that Ondo State can feed the entire South-West. My government will encourage massive mechanised farming, farmers will be provided with adequate facilities to aid their businesses,” he said.

    Ajayi, a former deputy governor of the state, said he was in the race because of his vision for the state’s economic transformation and inclusive, sustainable growth.

    The candidate, who was also a former deputy governor during the first term of late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, promised to tackle the problem of sea incursion in Aiyetoro, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, within his first one year in office.

    The former House of Representatives member said that economic growth is the most powerful instrument for reducing poverty and improving the wellbeing of the people

    He said that as a grassroots politician, he understood what it would require to revive the economy of the state.

    Ajayi also gave assurance that the sports sector would witness a revamp, saying that he would ensure the building of a modern games village in the state, where future champions would be nurtured.

    “I am embarking on a journey that will transform Ondo State totally, a journey that will give us a state to be proud of.

    “We will not give our people fish but we will teach them how to catch fish.

    The former Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government council said he started politics at a very tender age as a ward chairman, adding that he was sure of victory in the election.

    Earlier, while presenting the PDP candidate, the current Zonal Liaison Desk Officer of the party in the South-West, Mr Eddy Olafeso, described Ajayi as unwavering, tenacious and never giving up.

    “It not about your size or height, it’s’ about what is in your heart.

    “When you’re fearless, you can conquer the world and that’s what Agboola Ajayi represents.

    “We were very open in our primary. Our own congress was not the type written in the space without an election,” he said.

    Olafeso, who said that agriculture remains at the centre of Nigeria’s national identity, added that the APC government, particularly in Ondo State, could hardly be said to have made farming a priority.

  • Ondo 2024: Ajayi emerges PDP governorship candidate

    Ondo 2024: Ajayi emerges PDP governorship candidate

    Mr Agboola Ajayi, a former deputy governor of Ondo State, has emerged the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) for the Nov. 16 poll in the state.

    Ajayi, one of the seven aspirants that contested for the ticket, polled 264 votes and his closest co-contender, Mr  Kolade Akinjo had 157 votes while Mr Olusola Ebiseni came third with 99 votes.

    Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Chairman of the seven-man 2024 PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee, declared Ajayi winner after the exercise on Thursday in Akure.

    Ewhrudjakpo, the deputy governor of Bayelsa, said “Ajayi having satisfied the requirements stipulated by the electoral guidelines of the party is therefore declared the winner.”

    He  explained that 623 delegates voted out of expected 627 delegates across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    According to him, 621 votes were valid while there were two invalid votes.

    Reacting, Ajayi thanked the party for conducting a free, fair and credible election that would spur the party to victory in Nov.16 poll.

    He asked all members of the party to work with him in order to ensure a landslide victory in the forthcoming election.

    Ajayi, who was deputy governor during the first term of the late governor Rotimi Akeredolu,  said that a united PDP would defeat the ruling All Progressives Party (APC).

    The former deputy governor, who was the governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party ( ZLP) in 2020, promised  to bring every member of the party together.

    “This victory is for PDP members and democracy.  I commend the committee for conducting a free, fair and credible election.

    “It is a result that cannot be compared with other party. Nobody is complaining.

    “I will try my best to bring all aggrieved members together so that we can coast to victory in Nov. 16,” he said.

    Other aspirants that contested the primary are: Mr  Adeolu Akinwumi who got 64 votes, Mr Bamidele Akingboye had 24 votes while Mr Bosun Arebuwa had 2 votes, and Mr  John Mafo got 9 votes.

    All the aspirants hail from the Ondo Southern Senatorial District.

  • Why I won’t return two vehicles in my possession, Ex-Ondo Dep Gov replies Akeredolu

    Why I won’t return two vehicles in my possession, Ex-Ondo Dep Gov replies Akeredolu

    Immediate past Ondo Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi has said he is in possession of two official vehicles and not four demanded to be returned by Ondo State Government.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu had earlier vowed to press charges against Agboola if the vehicles in his (Agboola) possession are not returned.

    The vehicles are: Land Cruiser SUV, New Toyota Hilux, New Toyota Hilux and Toyota Hilux.

    In a petition to Ondo Police Command, Governor Akeredolu through his Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr. Doyin Odewale, urged the police to help recover the vehicles.

    But Agboola who spoke through his media aide, Allen Sowore, said he returned all vehicles in his possession on February 23rd, the day his tenure ended except two vehicles- a Land Cruiser and a Hilux Jeep.

    Agboola stated that he is entitled to those two vehicles just like other former Deputy Governors in the state.

    He said one of the vehicles being demanded was at a mechanic workshop in Okitipupa while the other was still with the dealer because full payment has not been made.

    The former Deputy Governor said Akeredolu should be prepared not to take any government vehicle at the end of his tenure if he (Agboola) is made to return the two vehicles.

    His words: “The former Deputy Governor has joined senior citizens in this state. He should be accorded such respect. On February 23rd when his tenure ended, civil servants came and collect all government vehicles expect a Land Cruiser and Hilux jeep which are part of his statutory benefit.

    “He is to go home with those two vehicles. He is not holding onto any government vehicles. All other former Deputy Governors in this state are using government vehicles. Nobody should because of politics use indecent language on the former Deputy Governor.

    “Let the police invite him. He will explain himself. He is not afraid. One of the other two vehicles had accident. It is at Okitipupa while the dealer is yet to deliver the second one.”

  • Ondo petitions police over refusal of ex-deputy governor to return officials vehicles

    Ondo petitions police over refusal of ex-deputy governor to return officials vehicles

    The Governor Rotimi Akeredolu led Ondo State Government has petitioned the Nigerian police over the refusal of the immediate past Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi to return official vehicles.

    The vehicles are: Land Cruiser SUV, New Toyota Hilux, New Toyota Hilux and Toyota Hilux.

    The Ondo Government said Agboola were unlawfully in possession of the vehicles.

    Senior Special Assistant to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, who signed the petition, said he has been mandated to recover all government properties still in the possession of former political office holders in the state, especially those who served in the immediate past administration.

    Dr. Odebowale said all entreaties to Agboola to return the four vehicles for use of the incumbent Deputy Governor have been rebuffed.

    According to the petition: “We lodge this complaint believing that you will use your good offices to look into this brazen act of conversion, and this is being charitable.

    “Any person who keeps/detains the property of another with the intent to deprive the owner, permanently, of the right conferred therefrom, has committed an offence known in law as STEALING.

    “This office undertakes to assist the Command with regard to the necessary logistics to recover the converted properties.”

    Agboola had earlier said he was yet to receive any letter asking him to return the vehicles.

  • Why I won’t resign as Akeredolu’s deputy – Agboola Ajayi

    Why I won’t resign as Akeredolu’s deputy – Agboola Ajayi

    Mr. Agboola Ajayi has ruled out the option of resigning from his position as deputy governor of Ondo State despite pressure from his boss Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Ajayi, who was candidate of Zenith Labour Party in the October 10, 2020 governorship election in Ondo State, said he remains the deputy governor till 23rd February 2021 because Ondo people who voted him in 2016 have not requested for his resignation.

    He made his position clear on the issue on Tuesday through a statement by his media aide, Allen Sowore.

    The statement reads, “The deputy governor was elected together with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) by the good people of Ondo State in 2016. That four years mandate given to both men will not end until 23rd February 2021.

    “The news of his impending resignation is being sponsored by the governor through the propaganda machinery and machinations of Ondo State Ministry of Information as a subterfuge in preparation for a macabre plan to put the deputy governor’s forged signature on a prepared resignation letter.

    “The general public should be wary of these latest antics and desperation of the governor to remove his deputy by all means and at any cost illegally.

    “The people of Ondo State, who voted for Agboola Ajayi as deputy governor in 2016 have not asked him to resign or quit the government.

    “Therefore, he has no reason whatsoever to relinquish the people’s mandate, which of course is limited by term/time, democratically bestowed upon him.”

  • [#OndoDecides2020] BREAKING: ZLP candidate, Ajayi wins polling unit

    [#OndoDecides2020] BREAKING: ZLP candidate, Ajayi wins polling unit

    Ondo State Deputy Governor and the governorship candidate of Zenith Labour Party, Agboola Ajayi, has won his polling unit in Kiribo in the Ese Odo Local Government area.

    According to the result pasted at the unit by the officials of Independent National Electoral Commission, titled, ‘Publication of Result of Poll’, Agboola won the Apoi Ward II, Unit 004, Idumado Quarters, Kiribo with a wide margin having garnered 395 votes.

    His closest contestant, Ondo State Governor and All Progressives Congress flagbearer, Rotimi Akeredolu, scored 13 votes while the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, secured five votes.

    Details later…

  • ONDO DECIDES: I won’t attend Channels TV governorship debate says Agboola Ajayi

    ONDO DECIDES: I won’t attend Channels TV governorship debate says Agboola Ajayi

    Candidate of the Zenith Labour Party in the governorship election in Ondo state Hon. Agboola Ajayi has explained why he won’t be participating in the debate organized by the channels Television.

    Ajayi in a statement issued in Akure and personally signed by him said that he would be campaigning in Owo on the day of the debate.

    “While appreciating the opportunity it offered me to debate with other contenders for the office of governor of Ondo State, I have to let slip-by the offer because I am otherwise engaged.

    ” l have had my campaign in Owo delayed by a day due to security concerns related to intolerance and violence. The scheduled event will hold all day on Wednesday while final interaction with my team from across the state would hold in the evening of that same day.
    ”This is so that I could avail myself of Thursday, October 8th, the last day allowed for campaigns, to embark on a whistle-stop tour of some locations across the State. Ajayi said

    ” l hope my decision to maximise the time available for me to continue to dialogue with voters across the state, a third of who are mostly not able to enjoy debates on national TV because they are not connected to the national grid, will not be seen as taking your offer for granted.

  • Ondo 2020: Why I boycotted guber Debate – Agboola Ajayi

    Ondo 2020: Why I boycotted guber Debate – Agboola Ajayi

    The Deputy Governor of Ondo state and Governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party(ZLP) for the October 10 election in the state, Honourable Agboola Ajayi has given the reasons for his absence at a Governorship debate held at the international event center popularly call the dome in Akure on Sunday.

    Agboola Ajayi, who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Tope Okeowo said he has no confidence the organisers of the debate.

    “We don’t have confidence in the organisers and they are not likely to be fair to our candidate,” Tope Okeowo, an aide to the deputy governor, said.

    He said most of the media organisations and those who ran the show had sympathies for the governor.

    According to him, Mr Abodunde, the anchor of the debate, and members of the team are employees of the state government, noting that Mr Abodunde works for the state-owned Orange FM 104.5.

    “If the deputy governor attended there would be trouble because the organisers are those earning money from the state government,” Mr Okeowo said. “You can see how the moderator favoured the governor in the distribution of the questions.”

  • Ondo poll: ZLP’s Agboola absent as Akeredolu, Jegede, Fasua go head-to-head in governorship debate

    Ondo poll: ZLP’s Agboola absent as Akeredolu, Jegede, Fasua go head-to-head in governorship debate

    Mr Agboola Ajayi, the governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), was absent at the Ondo State governorship debate held on Sunday in Akure.

    The debate, titled “2020 Ondo Governorship Election: Face the Voters” was organised by media organisations, labour unions, civil societies, religious bodies and other critical stakeholders in the state.

    Recall that Agboola, who is the present deputy governor, decamped to ZLP from All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the governorship election.

    Mr Akinwumi Abodunde, the moderator, said that the four political parties were invited for the debate, explaining that only two parties were present at the programme.

    “We invited candidate of APC, PDP, SDP and ZLP for this debate and none of the candidates showed any sign that he will not attend as at one hour to the programme.

    “But only the candidate of APC and SDP – Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Mr Peter Fasua respectively were present at the scheduled time,’’ Abodunde said.

    Meanwhile, Mr Eyitayo Jegede of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) came an hour behind the scheduled time.

    The moderator grilled the three governorship candidates on leadership, economy, agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, election security and insecurity.

    Akeredolu, while responding to the questions, denied the allegation of running a family government, saying that he ran a transparent government.

    The governor said that his wife was not a commissioner, neither did any of his children hold a post in his government.

    Instead, he said that his wife “has been helping the women of Ondo State through the “BRECAN Initiative”.

    “Let anybody that has evidence that anyone of my family is a consultant in the government come out.

    “We will sue anyone that lies against my family,’’ he said.

    He, therefore, called on his supporters to shun any act of violence during the governorship election scheduled to hold on Oct. 10.

    Also, Mr Eyitayo Jegede the PDP candidate, promised to run a transparent government if elected, cautioning his supporters against violence during the polls.

    “There is nothing to be gained by violence which is why I make sure I report to the Police when such happens.

    “This state must have respect for peace and order.

    “I plead with our young men not to go near violence, and our leaders must discourage violence,’’ Jegede said.

    Similarly, Mr Peter Fasua, the SDP candidate urged the youths not to die for any politician in the name of an election.

    “Anybody that dies while perpetrating violence has lost his life for nothing.

    “Please don’t waste your life for anyone during this election period.

    “We, the candidates, are always with our security and are safe.

    “Don’t allow yourselves to be used for violence,’’ Fasua said.