Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has responded to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s assertion regarding the current turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adeleke’s perspective was clarified in a press release issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
Adeleke stated, “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.”
This clarification from Adeleke comes after Makinde declared his backing for Acting Chairman Umar Ilya Damagum. During the groundbreaking ceremony for the enhancement of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Makinde asserted that both he and Adeleke supported Damagum and his leadership team.
He had stated, “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.
There is current turmoil within the PDP regarding the party’s national leadership, with several members, including governors, pushing for the removal of Damagum as acting chairman.
After a meeting with the NWC on Tuesday night, Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State and the leader of the PDP Governors’ Forum, shared the party Governors’ position.
He emphasized the necessity of resolving the leadership discord within the party and advocated for the North Central region to finish the term of the former PDP chairman Iyorchia Ayu, hailing from Benue State.
Ayu was ousted in June 2023, leading to Damagum assuming the role of acting chairman. Governor Mohammed highlighted that the extension of Damagum’s tenure poses a “constitutional issue” that demands attention.
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