Former Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof. Olusola Eleka has withdrawn from the senatorial race. He was contesting in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to represent Ekiti South.
In a letter written to the PDP national leadership, Eleka said his decision to withdraw from the race was consequent upon consultation with his supporters. Eleka said Fayose pressurised him to join the contest but dumped him for another candidate after he openly endorsed him.
He said: “I wish to notify the national leadership of our party of my voluntary withdrawal from participating in the senatorial election.
“I contested in the last governorship primary and I came third. As a patriotic party man who is determined to protect the interest and ethos of the party, I congratulated the winner, Otunba Bisi Kolawole, who is currently the candidate.
“It is expedient to note, however, that the senatorial ambition was the making of former Governor Ayodele Fayose. I received emissaries from him to contest. After much pressure from concerned stakeholders, I decided to pick up the challenge. But to my great surprise, Mr. Fayose, who openly endorsed my candidacy, discretely aided another person from the same constituency to pick the same form.
“The above left me with no choice but to consider his endorsement as a facade and decoy. So, having consulted widely with my supporters across the 16 local government areas, I have decided not to dwell where there is no sincerity of purpose. Hence, I pull out of the contest.
“The integrity I have built over the years is beyond any ambition. I am available for further arrangements that will unite the party in the build-up to the June 18 governorship election.
Your Excellency is assured of my utmost commitment to the party at the state and beyond.”