A former Governor of Oyo state and aspirant for the position of national chairmanship of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has withdrawn from the race.
Ladoja disclosed this in a letter to the chairman of the convention planning committee, Delta state Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and copied to the caretaker chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi.
He cited the interest of the south west zone which had no fewer than five aspirants prior to withdrawal of Bode George and Jimi Agbaje, as one of the reasons for his withdrawal.
The letter made public on Saturday as the convention got underway at the Eagle Square, Abuja reads:
“I, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, an aspirant for the National Chairmanship position hereby formally inform you of my decision to withdraw from the race.
“Having given a deep consideration to the circumstances in respect of the said race, particularly as it concerns the multiplicity of aspirants from the South West and in the common interest and good of my zone, the South-West, and our great party, the only choice open to me is bow out of the race.
“This decision is also to produce the desired outcome of a sole consensus candidate to represent the South-West Zone and thereby improve the chances of the candidate.
“Please accept the assurances of my high respects and kind regards.”
