Ondo 2020: Olanipekun debunks involvement in ZLP running mate tussle

A former commissioner for sports and youth development in Ondo state ,Hon Yekini Olanipekun has denied his involvement in lobbying for the deputy governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party,ZLP ahead of the October 10 election.

Olanipekun , a commissioner under former governor olusegun Mimiko was reacting a media report that five political gladiators are vying to become the running mate of the Ondo state Deputy Governor, Hon. Ajayi Agboola, who is picking the governorship candidacy of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, a former Commissioner for Sports and Youth development,

There was a report that five politicians; the state Chairman of the ZLP, Hon Joseph Akinlaja from Ondo west; a former commissioner for Women Affairs under Mimiko, Mrs Olanisimi Odunmbaku, from Akoko North East local government area and Olanipekun are lobbying to be the running mate to Agboola.

Also in the front seat for the deputy governorship slot are former Speaker of the state House of Assembly and former Works Commissioner, Rt Hon Taofeek Olawale Abdulsalam, from Akoko North East as well as a former Commissioner for Works under Mimiko, Engineer Gboye Adegbenro from Ifedore Local Government area

Speaking with newsmen, Olanipekun explained that he had never discussed the issue with the ZLP or its leadership or sent anybody to lobby the deputy governorship slot for him in the run up to the election.

The former Sports Commissioner who is from Akoko Northwest local government area of the state, said he was not interested, warning against dropping his name on political issues, he knows nothing about.

He noted that he is currently focussing on his business venture and not participating in politics actively, adding that he had never gone to any political gatherings or meeting to lobby for any position ahead of the election.

Olanipekun said he had nothing against any political party but he would be focussing on his personal business and not playing politics for now as the October 10 gubernatorial election approaches.