Alhaji Adekunle Saliu has emerged as the governorship candidate of Ondo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the October 10, 2020, gubernatorial election.

Alhaji Saliu was elected on Thursday, July 23, 2020 by 360 delegates of SDP at Motel Place in Ondo town during a special affirmative indirect primary election of the party.

The affirmative primary election was conducted by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Alfa Mohammed.

The electoral event began with the accreditation of all delegates after which two other aspirants, Otunba Olorunfemi Adeniyi and Barrister Abiola Olawole announced their withdrawal from the race claiming their decision was in the best interest of peace and unity of Ondo State chapter of SDP.

Alhaji Adekunle Saliu was thereafter elected with overwhelming “Yes” votes from all the 360 delegates and thousands of party supporters in attendance.

The national executive of SDP in attendance at the primary election was led by the National Secretary of the party who also doubles as the chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Alhaji Hussein Saleh Dass.

Other national officers of the party present at the event include the National Publicity Secretary, Mr Alfa Mohammed and the National Welfare Officer of the party, Prince Wale Aladeoba.

Also present at the primary were the Acting Ondo State Chairman of SDP, Barrister Dele Thomas, former Ondo State Chairman and national leader of the party, Chief Korede Duyile, State Secretary of the party and Mr Festus Agboola.

In addition, the primary election was likewise attended by the 18 Local Government Chairmen of the party, Local Government Speakers of Women and Youth Parliaments of the party, members of the State Working Committee (SWC), State Executive Committee (SEC) and notable leaders of SDP in Ondo State.

Also present were INEC officials, security operatives and members of the press.