Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has spoken about his decision to attend events alongside his counterparts elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Adeleke has been spotted with APC governors at several events, with the recent being the 90th birthday of Victoria Abiodun, mother of the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
Speaking in Abuja after the inaugural meeting of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, National Convention Committee, Adeleke dispelled rumors about his alleged plan to defect to the APC, saying his personal friendships did not dictate his political loyalty.
The governor said: “I’m a very civilized 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, and I remain a loyal member of the PDP.”
He assured PDP members and the public that the party’s forthcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 will proceed smoothly.
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Adeleke, who serves as the Deputy Chairman of the National Convention Committee and Chairman of the Accommodation Sub-Committee, added that all arrangements were being executed in strict compliance with the party’s due process and internal organization culture.
On reports of internal crisis within the party ahead of the convention, Adeleke was emphatic that the PDP was handling its challenges without outside interference.
The governor said: “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.”
Adeleke also dismissed concerns over the recent defections of some high-profile PDP members, including governors and ministers, to other parties.
He maintained that such movements were normal in politics and would not undermine the PDP’s structure or widespread support base.
The governor stated: “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.”
The Conclaves
