Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has refuted claims made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde regarding the ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party.
Adeleke issued a statement through his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, affirming his commitment to the party’s Constitution.
“I stand by the Constitution of our great party, which clearly outlines the succession procedure in case of the exit of an elected chairman.
“I also stand by the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum, of which I am an integral part. Our party must adhere to its Constitution at this critical time and at all times. That is the way to build a responsible political party,” Adeleke stated.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to party rules during this critical period, reinforcing his alignment with the PDP Governors’ Forum.
This response comes in light of Makinde’s recent declaration of support for Acting Chairman Umar Ilya Damagum during a groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrading of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan.
Makinde asserted that both he and Adeleke fully back Damagum and his leadership team.
He had said: “Tongues have been wagging about my absence at the campaign grand finale. Let me declare that Seyi Makinde is 100 percent with our candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo. If Edo people want to know the difference between delicious and nutritious, they should vote for Asue Ighodalo to get what is nutritious.
“And I am glad that our acting national chairman and members of his National Working Committee (NWC) are here. I read yesterday that there is another meeting in Bauchi by some NWC members. Let me say clearly, I have been discussing with my brother on our way here. We are 100 percent in support of the Iliya Damagun-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you in repositioning our party.
He also expressed his unwavering support for Damagum, despite reports of discord within the party.
Tensions have been mounting within the PDP over its national leadership, with several members, including governors, calling for Damagum’s removal. Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State and chair of the PDP Governors’ Forum, indicated the need for a resolution to the leadership crisis. He emphasized that the North Central region should be allowed to complete the term of former chairman Iyorchia Ayu, who was ousted in June 2023.
Mohammed noted that the continuation of Damagum’s leadership is a “constitutional issue” that requires urgent attention.
