By Euclid Myke, Abuja
Following defections that has depleted opposition parties in the country, governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke has reassured that he will remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adeleke gave the assurances on Monday in Abuja during an interaction with journalists after a meeting with members of the accomodation sub-committee at the party’s Legacy House.
The governor said that defections and political realignment is a constant factor in political formation but expressed confidence on the resilience of the PDP to weather the storm.
He expressed optimism that the convention will go on as planned, adding that everyone is working round the clock to ensure that the party is repositioned.
He said, “We just finished the inaugural meeting of the accommodation Sub-Committee. Everybody was present at our recent meeting, and we have resolved everything that needed to be sorted out so that the convention can proceed smoothly. We believe it will be very successful. As we all know, the PDP believes in proper organisation, in doing things the right way, and in accordance with the rule of law. That is exactly what we are doing. We have successfully organised many conventions in the past, and this one will be even more successful”.
Adeleke said that the crisis in the party will be resolved as a family affair.
“I can assure you that 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” he said.
On the recent defection of PDP governors to the ruling party he responded, “I’m not concerned. Anybody, whether a governor or a minister, has the right to make their own decision. That does not change anything in the PDP. We still have strong membership and widespread support across Nigeria. They are adults and have their reasons for leaving, but I am not worried.
“Some people say I might be planning to join the APC because I have friends there or have been seen attending their events. 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. As we speak, I am the Deputy Chairman of our convention, which holds on the 15th and 16th of October, and I remain a loyal member of the PDP. I also chair the Accommodation Committee.
“The PDP does not believe in propaganda or endless talk. Many people from other parties are also defecting, that’s politics. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, but everyone has the right to do as they wish.
“Our focus is on unity, organisation and success. By God’s grace, our convention will be a great success, and the PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength”.
