The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, Abayomi Tella, has described the defection of some party leaders to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as inconsequential.
On Monday, Governor Dapo Abiodun received some members of the PDP and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, following their defection.
The delegation, led by Sikirulai Ogundele, a former chairman of the PDP in the state, included Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade, who was that party’s running mate, among others.
Other prominent members of the delegation were Ekelojumati, Olowo Fuja, and several grassroots mobilizers from various local government areas.
The meeting, which was held behind closed doors, was characterized as both cordial and strategic, signaling a pivotal moment in the political reconfiguration ahead of upcoming elections.
Abiodun expressed his appreciation for the delegation’s commitment to fostering unity within Ogun State, highlighting the APC’s dedication to inclusive governance and sustainable development.
“This is not merely a political maneuver; it is a patriotic decision aimed at consolidating progress, promoting stability, and building a future of shared prosperity for our people,” Abiodun reportedly said.
Reacting, the PDP Chairman singled out Ogundele as the only “true politician,” describing others as inconsequential.
He described others as those who had at different times “crossed from party A to B, B to C, C to D.”
Tella said, “First and foremost, let me make some clarity here, there are politicians and there are politicians. Out of those people that I saw in that picture, I make bold to say that the only politician in that place is Sikirulai Ogundele.
“Let me be sincere with you, that is the person I’m going to feel that left the PDP, that is if he actually wants to go. Because I can assure you, his soul remains in this party. But when you are talking about others, I don’t want to talk about them. They are inconsequential and I stand to be corrected.”
The Chairman, however, said he wishes all the defectors well and insisted that the PDP would rule Ogun State come 2027.
“We are not going to be propagandists like them. We are going to talk about facts. But as far as 2027 is concerned, we are putting up our strategy and we are sure, Inshallah, by 12, 1 o’clock on the day of the election, we will have coasted home to victory.
“So let them continue to play their game,” he said.