The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State is facing a major setback ahead of the off-cycle gubernatorial election as its Deputy Governorship candidate, Mrs. Susan Gbemisola Alabi, has resigned from the party and withdrawn her candidacy.
The unexpected development comes just 45 days before the crucial election, leaving the SDP scrambling to find a replacement.
In her resignation letter, dated October 2, 2024, and addressed to the National Chairman of the SDP, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, Mrs. Alabi stated that her decision was made in the best interest of pursuing new opportunities.
The resignation took immediate effect, and she formally notified both the party leadership and the SDP Governorship candidate, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), of her decision.
“This decision was not made lightly, as I have valued my time with the party. However, after careful consideration, I believe it is in my best interest to pursue new opportunities and directions,” she wrote.
She further noted that she had also informed Otunba Bamidele Akingboye of her resignation as the Deputy Governorship candidate in the forthcoming election.
“Please also note that I have given notice of my resignation as the SDP Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2024 Governorship election to Otunba Bamidele Akingboye,” Alabi added.
In a separate letter addressed to the SDP Governorship candidate, Mrs. Alabi clarified that despite suggestions that she step down due to health reasons, she was not sick but chose to resign for the sake of the party’s electoral strategy.
“For the record, please note that I’m not sick and can perform optimally.
“However, for the sake of your ambition and you concluding to replace me with someone else from the Central of Ondo State as you believe it will better your chances of winning, I hereby formally resign my position with you as your Deputy,” Alabi wrote.
Alabi expressed her gratitude to Akingboye for the opportunity to run alongside him and wished him success in the upcoming election.
“Thank you for choosing me to be your running mate. I wish you success in the coming elections,” she concluded.
