TheCable

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has granted a waiver to Agboola Ajayi, Ondo state deputy governor, to contest the party’s governorship primary election.

The waiver was granted to him following an application to the party’s national working committee (NWC).

The deputy governor defected to the PDP from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in June.

He joined the opposition party hours after he was prevented by the police from leaving the government house. Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo governor, has since distanced himself from the incident.

In a letter dated June 26 and addressed to Ajayi, Uche Secondus, PDP national chairman, said the deputy governor met requirements of section 50(5)(b) of the party’s constitution.

“The national working committee (NWC) at its 495th meeting held on Thursday June 25, 2020 considered your application for waiver,” the letter read.

“The NWC on behalf of the national executive committee (NEC) having found that you satisfied the relevant provisions of our party’s constitution particularly section 50(5)(b) (as amended in 2017) for granting of waiver hereby inform you that your application has been approved.

“By this approval, you are therefore qualified to contest the Ondo state governorship primary election under our platform. Congratulations.”

Ajayi will be up against Eyitayo Jegede, a senior advocate of Nigeria; Eddy Olafeso, national vice-chairman (south-west), Banji Okunomo, Olusola Ebiseeni and Bamidele Akingboye.

The primary poll has been fixed for July 22.