A pressure group within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state, Renaissance Group has warned the gladiators in the party to stop further sidelining of a former Minister of the state for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide if the party wishes to make success of the 2019 elections.
The PDP Renaissance Group in a statement signed by its State Coordinator, Fatai Adenrele described the recent treatment meted to Akinjide concerning the selection of a national delegate in Ona Ara local government area of the state as unwholesome and condemnable because of the influence of the ex-minister who was not only the indefatigable leader of the party in the area but also ranks among the top elders in the state, south west and Nigeria as a whole.
While commending the Prince Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee for wading into the matter and allow Akinjide to be National delegate from the area, the group also appealed to the party leadership to rein in on others who are feeling uncomfortable with the towering influence of the woman.
Recalling the lackluster performance of Oyo PDP which made its gubernatorial flag bearer to come distant fourth with no elected member in the 32-member State House of Assembly in the 2015 election, the group warned that the current leaders of the party are toeing the same line which may lead to another disastrous outing in the next year’s poll.
The Renaissance group has therefore called for genuine reconciliation of aggrieved elders in the party for the party to speak with one voice ahead of the party primary elections.
‘Our party came distant fourth in 2015 election and unfortunately they have started again. The NWC should wade in because with the way they are going, it may be suicidal for the PDP in 2019.
‘They chased former governor Rashidi Ladoja and his team of best politicians in the state away because of their inordinate ambition, leaving the party to lack quality men and footsoldiers who can make things happen during elections. The earlier they realise their folly the better for the party otherwise, we may be in for another show of shame like it happened in the 2015 election,’ Adenrele added.
