One of candidates for People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmanship, Jimi Agbaje, has withdrawn from the race.

In a letter on published on Twitter, Mr Agbaje said he withdrew considering there were too many candidates from the Southwest who were in the race.

On Friday, Mr Agbaje and others were screened in for race but, Bode George withdrew.

Mr Agbaje on Twitter:

My withdrawal letter.

8th December 2017
The Chairman
PDP National Convention Planning Committee Wadata Plaza
Abuja.
Withdrawal of Candidature for National Chairman of PDP
Our great party, The Peoples Democratic Party has from inception, adopted certain

— Jimi Agbaje (@jimiagbaje) December 9, 2017

principles of zoning which have evenly balanced offices amongst the country's geo-political zones.In line with such zoning and other parameters I have,at different fora, expressed my strong belief that the next National Chairman of our great party should come from the South West.

— Jimi Agbaje (@jimiagbaje) December 9, 2017

I am however convinced that with 7 out of all 9 aspirants coming from the South West, this multiplicity of contenders will work to the detriment of our zone when it comes to voting. Delegates’ votes split 7 ways will not produce a chairman from the South West

— Jimi Agbaje (@jimiagbaje) December 9, 2017

. It therefore becomes necessary to prune our numbers down to no more than two.

— Jimi Agbaje (@jimiagbaje) December 9, 2017

With less than 24 hours to the convention, I have painfully decided to withdraw from the race hoping that others will join me in bringing down the number such that the South West can have a fighting chance of clinching the National Chairmanship of the PDP.

— Jimi Agbaje (@jimiagbaje) December 9, 2017

The support from serving &past governors, senators,members of the House of Representatives, women,youth and opinion leaders has been tremendous. While sincerely thanking them for their unflinching loyalty, I empathize with the great disappointment they must feel at this decision.

— Jimi Agbaje (@jimiagbaje) December 9, 2017

I plead that we all put the overall interest of PDP first.
I pledge my support to whoever emerges as the national chairman as determined at the national convention.

— Jimi Agbaje (@jimiagbaje) December 9, 2017

Kindly take this letter as my formal notice of withdrawal from the race for National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.
It is time to Rebuild, Unite, Now!

— Jimi Agbaje (@jimiagbaje) December 9, 2017

Long live The Peoples Democratic Party! Long live The Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Yours sincerely,

JIMI AGBAJE OON

cc. Chairman

National Caretaker Committee

— Jimi Agbaje (@jimiagbaje) December 9, 2017

Mr Agbaje’s withdrawal leaves Uche Secondus, Chief Gbenga Daniel, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Mr. Aderemi Olusegun jostling for the seat at the convention scheduled for today