Governor Ademola Adeleke on Monday justified his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party, declaring that the decision was guided by spiritual direction and political necessity ahead of the August 8 governorship election.
Speaking during a rally held at PDP party secretariat on Monday in Osogbo, Adeleke said he left the PDP to avoid what he described as internal turmoil that could jeopardise his re-election bid.
“I love PDP but I had to leave to avoid being trapped ahead of my re election. I consulted leaders I trust, and we prayed over it. We were guided to the Accord Party, the party is first on the ballot,” he said.
He also urged his supporters to mobilise voters and work diligently to secure victory at the poll.
“You should vote massively for the Accord Party. Victory is guaranteed for us. I thank the PDP family for their support and I appreciate the Accord Party for accepting me”, Adeleke added.
Earlier in his remarks, PDP state chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi admonished party elders, leaders, ward, local government representatives, women, youth leaders, and other stakeholders to support Governor Adeleke describing the move as a “strategic advance”necessitated by the leadership crisis at the PDP’s national level, which has hindered the party’s ability to present a candidate for the forthcoming election.
Bisi added that the decision followed wide consultations across the three senatorial districts and was taken in the overriding interest of Osun people.
“The state chapter would not allow internal disputes at the national level to “truncate the destiny of our people” or reverse what he described as the progress recorded under Adeleke’s administration.
Meanwhile six members of the House of Representatives from Osun State have defected from the People Democratic Party.
The lawmaker representing Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Ila Federal Constituency, Clement Akanni, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, predicted a landslide victory for Adeleke and while calling on the party members to protect their votes.
“After voting, stay behind and monitor your votes. Before voting begins, check the result sheets and ballot papers to ensure they are complete. With our projections, 80 per cent of the votes will go to Adeleke, while the other party will get 20 per cent. We will win and witness the victory,” Akanni assured.
The defectors include Mahruf Adewale (Osogbo Federal Constituency), Bamidele Salam (Ede Federal Constituency), Soji Adetunji (Ikirun Federal Constituency), Mudashiru Lukman Alani (Iwo Federal Constituency), and Lanre Oladebo (Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency).
Also addressing supporters at the event, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf, expressed confidence in Adeleke’s victory while urging party faithful to remain dedicated throughout the campaign period.
The defection of the six federal lawmakers has left the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Lere Oyewumi, representing Osun West Senatorial District, as the only elected PDP lawmaker from Osun State.
