The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State has presented Prince John Ola Mafo as the running mate to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the running mate to Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) in the Ondo gubernatorial election set to hold on November 26, 2016.
The publicity secretary of the Ondo State PDP chapter, Banji Okunomo, while briefing the press, said Mafo’s credentials have made him eligible to run for the position of deputy governor of the state.
The decision to pick Mafo, according to PDP scribe, was made by the decision making body in PDP in Ondo state.
“At the highest decision making body of Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party today, the PDP resolved on the choice of Ola Mafo as the deputy governorship candidate of the party.
“The party took this far reaching decision after considering all factors that would lead to its victory at the poll.
“The party weighed a number of options including the credentials of Ola Mafo which ranged from being a former chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area and a former commissioner for information in the state.
“Mafo was also a former special adviser to Governor Mimiko and until his nomination, he is the chairman of the Ondo State Football Association (ODSFA).
“Mafo is also a foundation member of the PDP and a veteran politician from the Southern senatorial district particularly Ilaje local government, a native of Zion Pepe”, he said.
He also said that the choice of Mafo was based on equity and political balance, adding:
“For equity and balance, it is apposite for the party to uphold his nomination as the Deputy Governorship candidate.
“His name has been forwarded to the INEC as the Deputy Governorship candidate of the PDP. With this development, all party members are further directed to go about their normal campaign this time around for the Eyitayo/Mafo ticket.
“Finally, the party wishes to congratulate Prince John Ola Mafo for this political elevation”, Okunomo said.
The announcement as Mafo as candidate falls in line with INEC’s directive which states that withdrawla and replacement of candidates would elapse on October 12, 2016.
