By Emegwoako C. Paschal
Some Peoples Democratic Party leaders in Oyo State have spoken out against Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision not to support the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
They spoke at an emergency meeting of the party’s leaders from the state’s 33 local government areas in Ibadan on Wednesday, November 2nd.
They declared their support for Atiku, who is being opposed by Makinde and four other PDP governors.
Makinde stated on Saturday, October 29th, during a live radio program that he and other disgruntled PDP governors would not work for the party’s presidential candidate for various reasons.
Except for the National Chairman of the PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who was asked to resigned from office in order for a southerner to occupy the office, the five governors have not hidden their positions and have vowed not to work for Atiku.
Dr Wole Oyelese, a former Minister of Mines and Steel Development in the PDP, said Makinde was not speaking for the party in the state, but for himself.
He stated that PDP leaders would work to deliver the state for the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in 2023.
“A good politician will not speak like that,” Oyelese said. It makes no difference if Makinde says he will not work for Atiku. He’s on his own now! It’s a hollow threat! Who are we voting for if he says we shouldn’t vote for Atiku? Oyo state is far too sophisticated for that. Makinde is a newcomer to Oyo State politics, but we will keep working for our party.
“However, we are working in a unique way for Atiku. My advice to any politician seeking election in Oyo State is to join the mainstream. The mainstream is the state party’s leadership.
“What is Yoruba’s position on this matter that Makinde is discussing?” We are not in a position. Pa Fasoranti says something, and Baba Adebanjo says something else. In Yorubaland, we do not have a position. Our members are steadfast and dedicated. This is our party, and we cannot let it fail.”
Another PDP leader, Femi Babalola, stated that the governor is also responsible for the points he raised against the PDP’s presidential candidate.
Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor, stated that Makinde and the other disgruntled governors had never stated that they would campaign for another presidential candidate.
In addition, Mr Akeem Olatunji, the PDP Publicity Secretary in Oyo State, stated, “Governor Seyi Makinde has stated at various fora that all PDP candidates will win in Oyo State.” What else does anyone desire?
“Aside from Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, do we have any other presidential candidate parties?” There is no ambiguity in that, except that some people are simply looking for attention. They’re probably trying to be sneaky.
“All we know is that everyone is working hard to ensure that all of our candidates win in Oyo State.” Governor Seyi Makinde has never supported anyone other than himself as a presidential candidate.”
