Akure, Ondo State – The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has suspended its candidate for the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, Olugbenga Edema, and his running mate, Rotimi Adeyemi, over allegations of anti-party activities and constitutional violations. The suspension was announced during the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) meeting held in Akure, the state capital.
Also suspended indefinitely was a prominent party chieftain, Isreal Ayeni. The decision was disclosed by the state chairman of the NNPP, Pastor Peter Olagookun, who cited the trio’s involvement in actions contrary to the party’s constitution and principles.
Olagookun explained that Edema’s suspension was primarily due to his decision to take the party to court without first exhausting the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms. He emphasized that such actions violated the party’s constitution and undermined its internal governance structure.
“Edema took the party to court without exhausting the party’s internal resolution mechanism as provided by our constitution,” Olagookun stated. “He sued in the name of the party without consulting the appropriate stakeholders at both the state and national levels, which is against our party’s guidelines.”
The NNPP chairman further accused the suspended members of engaging in anti-party activities, which he described as detrimental to the party’s unity and progress. “Involving oneself in anti-party activities is a serious violation of our party’s principles and cannot be tolerated,” he added.
The suspension of Edema and Adeyemi, who were the party’s flagbearers for the upcoming governorship election, has raised questions about the NNPP’s preparedness for the polls. The party has yet to announce replacements for the suspended candidates or outline its next steps in the electoral process.
The development comes amid growing tensions within the NNPP in Ondo State, as the party seeks to strengthen its position ahead of the 2024 elections. Political analysts suggest that the suspension could have significant implications for the party’s prospects in the governorship race, depending on how quickly it resolves its internal disputes and presents a united front.
The NNPP leadership has called on its members to remain calm and loyal, assuring them that the party is committed to upholding its constitution and ensuring discipline among its ranks. Further details regarding the suspension and the party’s plans moving forward are expected to be communicated in the coming days.