By Peter Ayoade
Ogun State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned the governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde that the party’s constitution gave no room for governor-general position, adding that he should stop causing division in the party.
The party stated that in as much as no one is challenging the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde both in his state and the South-West zone, being the only PDP Governor in the zone, but was opposed to what it termed his continuous tendencies for polarising the party in Ogun.
The clarification was made while reacting to a statement made by the Chairman, Oyo Pacesetters Transport Service, Mr. Dare Adeleke, titled: ‘Fayose Not Suitable To Lead South-West PDP.’
In a statement signed and made available to the journalists by the party spokesman, Bankole Akinloye (JP), further enjoined Governor Makinde to rise above primordial attitudes of hobnobbing with non-conforming members of the party chapter in Ogun at the detriments of faithful PDP members in the mainstream.
“It has come to the notice of the Ogun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of a new item signed and made available across some section of social media by one Dare Adeleke, a so-called Chairman, Oyo Pacesetters Transport Service.
“Fundamentally, it is not in our character to respond or react to any piece of shenanigan thrown at the party in the media. But it has become very germane to set the records straight as far as it concerns Ogun PDP and the party politics in the South-West so that elements like Dare Adeleke don’t feed unsuspecting members of the public with bile and treachery.
“Essentially, Ogun PDP is not, in any way challenging the leadership of Mr ‘Seyi Makinde both in Oyo State and the South-West geopolitical zone being the only PDP Governor in the zone.
“What we are opposed to is the continuous tendencies of Makinde for polarising the party in Ogun State. His Excellency, the Governor should rise above primordial attitudes of hobnobbing with non-conforming members of the party at the detriments of our faithul party men in the mainstream,” PDP said.
According to the statement, the national party leadership headed by Prince Uche Secondus has provided direction to the governor through the successful conduct of PDP congresses in Ogun State, expressing worry why Makinde preferred to act in defiance to the direction of the national office.
Speaking further, Akinloye said it should be noted that Ogun PDP had no issues with Governor Makinde’s leadership in Oyo State, adding: “In fact, Makinde is such a good man and we will respect him for that but we also urge him to develop an attitude of consulting widely with party structure in each state of the zone.”
“Apart from these, we wish to make it crystal clear to Dare Adeleke and his faceless sponsors that the party in Ogun State is colourfully made of successful men and experienced leaders of impeccable pedigree and character and, therefore, we will not be available to trade in pettiness nor engaging in gutter fights with anybody in any guise or disguise.
“As stakeholders in the politics of South-West geopolitical zone, Ogun PDP has made its decisions which is perfectly in tandem with its fervent belief in fairness, equity and justice,” Akinloye submitted.
