The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed rumours of an imminent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting he remains a loyal member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
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Speaking with journalists after the inaugural meeting of the PDP Accommodation Sub-Committee for the forthcoming national convention at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, Adeleke said the internal crisis rocking the opposition party was a family matter already being resolved.
He said, “We are meeting and resolving our issues internally. It is a family affair. We do not want anyone outside to add sugar, pepper or salt to the matter, we are handling it ourselves. The PDP is a family, and we know how to manage our affairs.” The governor, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the November 15–16 convention, stressed that his loyalty to the PDP was unquestionable.
“As we speak, I am the Deputy Chairman of our convention and I also chair the Accommodation Committee. I remain a loyal member of the PDP,” Adeleke said. He dismissed claims that his friendship with some APC members meant he was considering defection. “I’m a very civilised person. If I have friends in the APC and they invite me to a wedding or social function, I will attend. That doesn’t mean I’m joining them,” he explained.
Commenting on the recent wave of defections from the PDP, Adeleke said he was not worried, insisting the party remained strong nationwide. “We still have strong membership and widespread support across Nigeria. I am not worried. Many people from other parties are also defecting, that’s politics. But everyone has the right to do as they wish. Our focus is on unity, organisation and success,” he said.
Adeleke confirmed that the sub-committee had resolved outstanding issues ahead of the convention, assuring that the exercise would be smooth. “We just finished the inaugural meeting of the Accommodation Sub-Committee. Everybody was present at our meeting, and we have resolved everything that needed to be sorted out so that the convention can proceed smoothly,” the governor noted.
He expressed optimism that the convention would strengthen the party, saying, “By God’s grace, our convention will be a great success, and the PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength.”
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