Fayose’s ex-commissioner rejects dep gov’ship nomination

A former commissioner for Works in Ekiti State, Mrs Funmi Ogun, has rejected her nomination as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate, barely 24 hours to the submission of party nominations to the INEC ahead of the June 18 governorship election in the state.

This was contained in a letter dated February 24, 2022 entitled, ‘Re: My nomination as deputy governorship candidate ‘ addressed to the PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, on Thursday.

• NYSC Trust Fund long overdue – Gbajabiamila
• N/Assembly mgt, legislative aides clash over ‘diversion’ of N25bn fund

The decision took many by surprise for the fact that the commissioner is a close ally of former governor Ayodele Fayose and coupled with the threat posed by the closure of nomination on Friday, February 25, in tandem with INEC’s guidelines.

She was the commissioner for Works under Fayose between 2016 and 2017.

Part of the letter reads, “This is to formally inform you that I am not unaware of my nomination by Ekiti stakeholders for the position of deputy governorship candidate for the 18 June 2022 gubernatorial election.

“Notwithstanding their good intentions, I formally write to reject the nomination for personal reasons. However, I appreciate the uncommon recognition and assuring the party that no effort will be spared in ensuring our victory at the election. The candidate can therefore be approached for a fresh nomination.”

When called on phone for clarification, the former commissioner said, “Yes, I want to confirm the authorship of the letter, but it wasn’t meant to slight anybody or confirms that I had disagreement with our leader, former governor Ayodele Fayose, who is presently abroad for medical checkup.

“All the stakeholders in Ekiti politics had endorsed me and forwarded my name to our national leadership, but they didn’t act on it. So I have decided to reject my nomination for me not to be on collision course or ruffle feathers with our national leaders.”