By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Osun governor, Ademola Adeleke has described rumours that he is set to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC as “fake news emanating from those intimidated by his ‘extraordinary. performance in state leadership.
Adeleke dismisses the alleged plot to join APC at a strategic closed door meeting with leaders, elders and top federal and state officials of Osun chapter of PDP in Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Wednesday night.
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Governor said in a statement that the meeting was held at the Banquet Hall of the Government was coordinated by PDP State Chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi and attended by House Speaker, Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun and members of the State assembly,
The meeting was also attended by all critical top leaders of the party with former governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola addressing the meeting virtually while Prof Wale Oladipo, the Chairman of Imole Movement declared PDP as a home for all genuine lovers of Osun people.
He also quoted the 1999 governorship candidate of PDP and life member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Oluwole Alabi and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Lasun Yusuf described PDP as an agent of development and human empowerment in the statement.
A PDP member of the House of Representatives, representing PDP members of the Federal House , Akanni Olohunwa applauded the extensive positive transformation Osun is witnessing and affirmed that PDP is sure of victory in any future electoral contest.
The statement indicated that Adeleke declared unequivocally to the PDP leaders that that he has no plan to quit the party now or in the future.
“My people, party elders and chiefs, I declare before you today that I am not defecting to APC or any other political party. I remain in PDP. Ignore any fake news”, the Governor declared.
The meeting ended with a communique issued by the stakeholders’ forum signed by Hon Sunday Bisi.
In the communique, the PDP leaders passed vote of confidence and endorsement on the state governor for his equitable and efficient leadership.
They also re-endorsed the governor for second term as the sole candidate of the party for the 2026 election while commending extensive delivery of dividends of democracy and good governance across all sectors of Osun society;
They also welcomed and applaud the declaration by the State Governor that he has no plan either now or in the future to defect to the All Progressive Congress(APC) or any other political party;
They also welcomed and applaud declaration by other top leaders of the party that they are not quitting the PDP for APC or any other party;
They hailed the party executive and leaders as well as elected and appointed officials from Oriade/Obokun federal constituency for remaining steadfast with the PDP and rejecting recent defections by an ungrateful lone ranger;
They also commended the strategies of the state leadership in tackling and managing the local government leadership crisis, hailing the approach as akin to winning a war without firing a shot and endorsed the due process approach to the local government crisis and urge for further patience from all stakeholders;
The PDP leaders also commended the state leadership of the party for managing the party affairs with calm and wisdom, declaring that the State PDP is strongly footed to win future contests;
The Osun PDP leaders also expressed optimism that the national chapter of the party is working to resolve its internal challenges and that the outcome will result in a party more united and well positioned for future victories.
