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Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, has resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ajayi, who lost the PDP governorship primary to Eyitayo Jegede, was said to have sent his resignation letter to the PDP secretariat at Apoi Ward 2 in Kiribo town, Ese Odo local government area of Ondo State on Monday.
While thanking the national leadership and members of the PDP for their warm reception and acceptance in the short period he rejoined the party, Ajayi said his decision was based on the call from his people that he should contest the October 10 governorship election in the state.
It was learnt that the PDP chairman in the ward, Mr Festus Oboro, acknowledged the receipt of the resignation letter.
The Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Tope Okeowo, also confirmed the development to The Punch.
“The deputy governor has resigned and would declare his defection to the Zenith Labour Party before the end of the week,” Okeowo said.
Meanwhile, the PDP in Ondo State has said the exit of Ajayi would not have any effect on the chances of the party in winning the governorship election, adding that the action of the deputy governor showed that he was a desperate politician.
In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Kennedy Peretei, the PDP declared that it remained solid, strong, and more determined than ever before to win the forthcoming governorship election.
“Agboola Ajayi has abused the welcome and privilege accorded him by our party supporters during his brief stay in the party. He also proved that he is desperate to become the governor of Ondo State. In the days to come, it will dawn on him that, he has squandered whatever was remaining in his goodwill with this decision,” the statement said.