By Nicholas Ojo
The senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo South Senatorial District, Agboola Ajayi, has omitted the images of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubarkar and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa from his campaign posters and billboards.
A PDP chieftain loyal to the former Ondo deputy governor said Ajayi, is pledging loyalty to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who is a member of the Integrity Group led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
The source who expressed ill feelings over Ajayi’s action said the ex-deputy governor deliberately excluded the picture of Atiku Abubarkar and his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa from his campaign posters to prove loyalty to Mimiko who is supporting Pro-Wike governors on their decision not to work for Atiku/Okowa’s 2023 presidency.
“He is risking his ambition. It’s high time I distanced myself from him because he knows that members and stakeholders of our party in Ondo South Senatorial District are for Atiku and the PDP.
“He has forgotten this is PDP and is no longer in Zenith Labour Party. Unfortunately, Mimiko has nothing to lose. How can you be a candidate running for an election and you are risking your ambition for a man who is not on the ballot? This is strange!
“How can the people from your senatorial district be working for a man and you are turning yourself against the same man? Eddy Olafeso is Atiku’s State and Southwest Coordinator. All the Serving Lawmakers, the Senator, Nicholas Tofowomo, and members of the House of Representatives, Kolade Akinjo and Ikengboju Gboluga are all working for Atiku, but my friend is isolating himself”, the source said.
One of the State Executives who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter said Ajayi is broke and one of the candidates who rely on Atiku’s campaign fund. He expressed sadness over the development.
“Unfortunately Ajayi is broke and one of those relying on Atiku’s campaign money to fund his senatorial campaign. Very sad!”, he said.
An attempt to speak with Ajayi’s spokesman, Allen Sowore, to get his reaction proves abortive as his phone was not reachable at the time of filing this report.