Fayose’s Son, Other Ekiti PDP NASS Candidates Reject Suspension

*Say, “We Are Unperturbed, We’ll Remain Focused On Winning”

Seven National Assembly candidates of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in Ekiti State have rejected their suspension by the National Working Committee(PDP) of the party.

The affected candidates who are loyal to former Governor Ayo Fayose were suspended by the national leadership of the party for alleged anti-party activities.

The suspended chieftains include: Ayeni Funso and Ajijola Lateef, the Senatorial candidates for Ekiti North and Central respectively.

Others are Emiola Jennifer (Ekiti South II); Ajayi Samuel (Ekiti North II); Olayinka Olalere (Ekiti Central II); Yinka Akerele (Ekiti North I) and Oluwajomiloju Fayose (Ekiti Central I) who is Fayose’s son.

But, reacting to the purpoted suspension, the seven embattled National Assembly candidates, described the suspension as a joke and grave missteps by the party’s leadership.

The affected chieftains, in a statement jointly signed and made available to our correspondent in Ado-Ekiti, on Saturday said their purported suspension was a ploy to distract them from pursuing their aspirations.

They said the purported suspension will have no negative effects whatsoever on their candidacy, adding that “our concern now is how to win elections and we will not be distracted.”

They noted that the alleged suspension was a nullity because the action taken by the party’s leadership did not follow due process as outlined by the party’s legal framework.

The embattled chieftain explained that the PDP constitution was clear on case of suspension with the procedures to be taken explicitly enumerated, adding that the procedural steps were compromised as they were neither informed of offence committed nor invited by any committee before they were suspended.

The statement reads partly: “Section 57 (6) of the PDP constitution is clear and unambiguous. It states that ‘Any decision taken against a member who has not been informed of the charges against him or has not been given any opportunity of defending himself shall be null and void.’

“Also, Section 33 of the Electoral Act is very clear on candidates for elections and as it is, we remain candidates in line with law and we shall remain focused. Our party is a constitutional institution and we will ensure it obeys its constitution.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 33 of the Electoral Act provides clearly that; ‘A political party shall not be allowed to change or substitute its candidate whose name has been submitted under Section 29 of this Act, except in the case of death or withdrawal by the candidate.’

“We are therefore unperturbed. Rather, we are being propelled to work harder to ensure victory in the elections while we explore appropriate means of handling the issues.

“Ultimately, it will be victory for us as candidates of the PDP.’’

They appealed to members of the party and supporters across the 177 wards in the state to remain calm in the face of of the sheer injustice.