By Julius Alabi, Akure
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ondo state has said that it has not withdrawn its petition against the election of Pastor Jide Ipinsigba, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo North Senatorial District during the February 25 election.
The party, through its State Chairman,
Pastor Peter Olagookun and the Secretary, Comrade Adekunle Oluwayomi said the alleged withdrawal of the case, made on Wednesday, was the product of a plan of some persons working with APC to subvert the petition filed by the party.
Addressing newsmen in Akure today, both the Chairman, Olagookun and the Secretary, Adekunle noted that Dr Olusegun Phillips-Alonge, the senatorial candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ondo North Senatorial District did not have such power to withdraw the petition challenging the declaration of Pastor Jide Ipinsigba, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner without informing the party because the petition was jointly initiated.
While reacting on what they described as “rumours”, they stressed that the NNPP never contemplated withdrawing its petition against Ipinsigba and APC.
They said those behind the purported withdrawal of the petition had no locus standi to withdraw the case without the input of the party that initiated the petition.
They however announced that the NNPP National Secretariat has been informed accordingly and it has showed interest in the case to enable the party execute the petition effectively.