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Say party remains strong
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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has dismissed claims that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has merged with the Accord Party ahead of the upcoming governorship election slated for August 8.
Speaking at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting at the Women and Children Development Initiative Foundation (WOCDIF) in Osogbo yesterday, Oyinlola affirmed the party’s unity, stating that it is ready to welcome Governor Ademola Adeleke back into the fold, should he choose to return.
Accompanied by key party figures, including former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, and former PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, Oyinlola stressed the importance of educating party members about the current state of the PDP both nationally and within Osun.
“We are here to inform our supporters and party members about the present situation concerning PDP. Confusing narratives about the party’s status in Osun have emerged, and this meeting serves to clarify where PDP stands today,” Oyinlola said.
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Addressing rumours of a collaboration with the Accord Party, Oyinlola explained, “That is part of the narrative we are here to correct. The governor, perceiving that he may not be allowed to contest for his second term under the PDP, in view of the turbulent storm ravaging the headquarters of our party, which we believe will soon pass away, decided to go on the platform of another party.
“What he told us was that he and the deputy will go to Accord, and the rest of us will remain. PDP is a party that has its tentacles in all the nooks and crannies of this country. It is not in our own time that we’ll allow it to die.
“We are holding on to PDP. If tomorrow, our governor decides to come back and be with his family in PDP, he’s most welcome, but for now, PDP is standing in Osun state, strongly,” Oyinlola said.
The state chairman of the party, Hon Tunde Tijani, refuted claims of a collaboration with the Accord Party, saying, “I am the only chairman recognised by the National Working Committee of our party overseeing affairs in Osun State.”
Reflecting on recent party dynamics, Tijani noted that some members had departed due to anti-party activities at a recent convention in Ibadan. He confirmed, “As a result, the NWC has taken steps to ensure that PDP remains solid in Osun.”
Tijani added that they plan to establish committees in each local government to manage party affairs until the next congress. “PDP stands firmly and has not merged with the Accord Party as rumoured,” Tijani said.
