The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, Olugbenga Edema, has berated the decision of associates of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Edema, who described their defection as jumping into a sinking ship, stated that with their action, that they had exhibited a high degree of ignorance about the status of the APC in Ondo State.

He emphasised that if they have done the due diligence, they would have known that by virtue of the INEC report issued following the April 20, 2024, primary, and by the clear provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, the APC does not have a legitimate candidate for the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

On Wednesday, no fewer than 30 political associates of the former governor defected to the APC after dumping the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the NNPP’s standard-bearer, the primary election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the APC standard-bearer did not follow due process, as disclosed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Edema, in a statement, said, “They would also have known that the people of Ondo State have rejected the party and this regime, judging from public opinions. The outcome of the #EndBadGovernance and end hunger protest is a clear manifestation of this fact, which is obvious even to the blind. The Almighty God himself has rejected this regime and has torn the Aiyedatiwa’s government. God does not support an unrighteous government.

“Inspite of the humongous amount of money from the Federation account entering the coffers of the state since June 2023, no tangible and visible development can be attributed to this regime.

“Ayedatiwa’s government has simply weaponised the state resources by deliberately pauperising the Ondo State people. It is waiting for the day of the election to begin to give handouts to the electorates. They have failed because the people of Ondo State are now wiser.

“The defection of Mimiko’s associates to the APC is akin to jumping into a sinking Titanic ship. It is quite unfortunate that these individuals have chosen to align themselves with a sinking ship.

“By the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022, it is clear that the APC does not have a valid candidate in Ondo State. The primary election that led to the emergence of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the APC candidate was marred by irregularities and did not adhere to due process as confirmed by INEC.

“The Electoral Act clearly outlines the procedures for conducting primaries, and it is evident that the process that led to Aiyedatiwa’s emergence was flawed. As such, his candidature is illegitimate. The facts speak for themselves, and it is clear that the APC has failed to adhere to the established rules.”

Edema, a lawyer and ex-legislator, maintained that the Electoral Act alone is sufficient to establish the illegality of the process, making it unnecessary for a court of law to say so.

The former Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) exuded confidence in the NNPP’s chances of victory at the November 16 polls.

“Come November 16, the NNPP will emerge victorious. We are committed to offering the people of Ondo State credible and transparent leadership that prioritises their welfare above all else.”