More defection looms in Ondo ZLP over choice of running mate

 

 Osagie Otabor, Akure

 

Some members of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) have threatened to leave the party over the choice of a running mate for the party.

The members said they expected the party leadership to pick its running mate from Akoko area in Ondo North Senatorial District but were shocked to hear that a former Commissioner for Works, Mr. Gboye Adegbenro, has been penciled down as Agboola’s running mate.

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, whose name was submitted as the party’s governorship candidate, hails from Ondo South Senatorial District while his running mate hails from Ondo Central.

On Friday, over 700 members of the ZLP, led by a cousin of Ajayi, Akin Sowore, defected to the APC.

A former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Taofik Abdusalam, former Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Yekini Olanipekun, and former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Simi Odunbakun, were top contenders from Akoko area eyeing to be Ajayi’s running mate.

Sources said Mimiko opted for Ondo Central to pick a running mate because his former deputy, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, refused entreaties to nominate a running mate if he joined the ZLP.

The source said Mimiko met with Olanusi at his Alagbaka residence on the need to join forces to wrestle power from the APC by mobilizing Ondo North votes for the ZLP in the October 10, polls.

Read Also: VIDEO: Ondo Deputy Gov joins ZLP

The ZLP members of ZLP said they were waiting for the party to make an official announcement before they start dumping the party for the APC.

“In as much as ZLP is not picking it’s running mate from Akoko, the party should forget about the votes of Akoko people.

“The APC candidate is from Owo and Owo Local Government is in the northern senatorial district. We will mobilise for him so that he will complete the eight years of Ondo North.”