Jimoh Ibrahim:

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared Mr Jimoh Ibrahim and Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress(APC) respectively, as candidates for the Ondo state governorship election.

The Commission, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Mrs Auguta Ogakwu on Thursday in Abuja, also released the names of 26 others as candidates cleared for the Nov. 26 state election.

INEC, which listed Alfred Ajayi as running mate to Akeredolu, stated that Ibrahim and his deputy, Alabi Omotayo, were cleared on court order.

The other 26 cleared candidates are Amuda Oladare (Accord); Yinka Orokoto (AA); Francis Ogunjumelo (ACPN); Olusola Oke, (AD); Margareta Ogunyoku-Ojo (ADC); Oluyi Helen (APA) and Francis Alao (APGA).

Also cleared are Funmilayo Ataunoko (BNPP); Fasua Oyeleye (CPP); Adeeyo Bolorundaro (DPC); Falana Julianna (DPP); Odedeyi John (HDP); Samuel Akogunrin (ID); Daniel Ogungbemi (KOWA) and Adeoti Taye (LP).

Akredolu

Other candidates on list are Obayoriju Abass (NCP); Oluwadare Bada (NNPP); Ayibiowu Ige (NUP); Oluwasegun Odidi (DPC); Adeniyan Daniel (PPA); Orunmoluyi Olagbegi (PPN) and Arigbede Gbenga (PRP).

Others are Olu Agunloye (SDP); Olugbenga Falaiye (UDP); Aidi Elijah (UPN) and Anthony Adeniranye (YDP).

According to the Commission, the publication is in accordance with section 34 of the Electoral Act 2010(as amended).

Meanwhile, the Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction of PDP has described the emergence of Mr Jimoh Ibrahim as Ondo state’s governorship candidate for the party  as victory for the rule of law.

The faction of the PDP made the observation in a statement signed by its acting National Publicity Secretary,
Mr Bernard Mikko, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mikko also described the recognition of the candidature of Ibrahim by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as victory for Ondo people.

“The INEC recognition of Jimoh Ibrahim is not only victory for the people of Ondo state, but also a victory for the rule of law and diminishing impunity in our electoral system.

“The PDP NWC under the leadership of Sen Ali Modu Sheriff is pleased with this development.

“The party hereby congratulates the people of Ondo state as they go to polls on Nov. 26 to vote PDP and elect Mr Jimoh Ibrahim as their next governor,” Mikko said.

INEC had earlier published the name of Ibrahim as candidate cleared for the PDP and 27 other candidates of political parties contesting the election.

NAN recalls that while Ibrahim name was submitted by Sheriff-led faction, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi-led faction also submitted to INEC the name of Mr Eyitayo Jegede as the party’s candidate.(NAN)