Ado Ekiti-born politician, Lateef Oladimeji Ajijola, has been declared the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rescheduled primary election.
The rescheduled primary was held on Saturday, December 10, at Aramoko Ekiti, the headquarters of Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state after the court ordered to conduct a fresh primary within 14 days.
Recall that Lateef Oladimeji Ajijola won the PDP Central Senatorial District primary election on May 23, 2022, but the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti nullified the primary election on Thursday, November 26, saying Ajijola was not validly elected in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
The judge ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh primary within 14 days.
But in the rescheduled primary held on Saturday, Mr Ajijola polled 129 Votes and defeated the only opponent, Henry Olukayode Ojo who scored a total of 42 Votes.
Newsflash Nigeria learnt the exercise was held amid tight security as operatives of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Security DSS were on the ground to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
The Exercise was monitored by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The election commenced around 7:00 pm as the Electoral umpire, the INEC and the party officials did not arrive at the venue of the Senatorial Primary until exactly 6:00 pm on Saturday.
Announcing the result, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Hon. Ajewole said the total number of delegates accredited to vote at the venue was 176 and 172 voted, 3 were absent, while 1 vote was voided.
After he was declared as the winner, Lateef Ajijola thanked God for the successful conduct of the election which he said was peaceful, fair, free and devoid of rancour.
In his acceptance speech, Ajijola remarked that he would give the PDP a good showing at the general election to ensure Party comes out victorious in the February 2023 general Elections.
” Well, enh! I want to thank you, and I accept this nomination, by the grace of God, PDP is going to return to the National Assembly ‘Senate’ of Ekiti Central Senatorial District, on this note, I accept this nomination by the name of the father, the son and the holy Spirit, thank you very much”.
Ajijola who also spoke to Newsmen shortly after his declaration said, he will be Magnanimous in victory as he said he will definitely stretch his brotherly arm to his co-contestant and for them to work together to ensure Victory is achieved at the general election.
“I believe in the spirit of brotherhood that we should work together to defeat the incumbent party in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, my doors are open, we should work together and achieve success, the Primaries have gone, we should reunite and move forward together”.
Ajijola who also spoke on his blueprint told Journalists that he would be accessible, he would listen to them, be their voice and give them adequate representation at the red Chamber Of the National Assembly.
On his part, Henry Olukayode Ojo who was defeated by Ajijola at the primary Election lauded the conduct of the exercise saying the exercise was to some large extent free and fair enough while commending the party for taking a corrective measure and for providing a level playing ground for the two of them during the exercise.
“It is supposed to be sportsmanship in nature, that’s what is expected of everyone, so I want to wish the Senatorial Candidate of the PDP the best of luck, and assure him of my utmost support, I thank my people and supporters as well as the party Officials that came from Abuja for this exercise”. He said.
Ajijola is expected to slug it out with the current Senator representing Ekiti Central at the National Assembly, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele in the next year’s general elections.
Meanwhile, the rescheduled PDP primary election of Ekiti North Senatorial District to be held on Saturday, December 10 has been postponed to Sunday, December 11.
