Not minding the fact that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Engr Seyi Makinde, just won the governorship election in Oyo State, a former minister of sports and special duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, has resigned from the party.
Adedoja, who was a formidable contender for the chairmanship seat of the party last year submitted his letter of resignation to the national chairman of PDP, Chief Uche Secondus, saying that he is joining the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Adedoja’s resignation from the PDP has brought to four the number of national chairmanship aspirants who have resigned from the party.
Others are Otunba Gbenga Daniel a former campaign DG for Atiku Abubakar, Prof. Tunde Adeniran a former BOT member of PDP and former minister of Education and Sen. Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former governor of Oyo state.
In statement made available to AlternativeAfrica on Friday, Adedoja explained, that his defection to ruling APC at this period of Nigeria’s political dispensation is to contribute his best to the unity of Nigeria, “as dictated by my pan Nigerian experience, having built bridges of unity among various socio political groups in the country.”
On his relationship with the Oyo State Governor elect, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Prof. Adedoja stated that Makinde is his brother whom he maintains cordial relationship with stressing further that he had congratulated him to wish him God’s guidance in the newly onerous task of governing Oyo State.
To further justify his journey to APC, Adedoja, who was a former Provost, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, said, “I want to align with the Federal government of Nigeria to contribute to the good governance the country deserves for our people and for my followers across the country.”
Meanwhile, a pro-democracy and human rights group, Inclusiveness in Governance Initiative (IGI), has lauded the step taken by Adedoja, describing it as “a welcome development.”
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Steven Bola Ashalu, the group said the way PDP has been marginalising the south-west in the party’s scheme of things is unacceptable and undemocratic.
According to the group, if the PDP fails to put its house in order by carrying all stakes holders along and treated equally, it should expect more resignations from other major aggrieved members of the party, warning that, “such development can collapse the party if not nip in the board before it is too late.”
The group however wished Adedoja good luck in his new party just as it pledged its unflinching support for him, saying,
“Adedoja we know is a born achiever and grassroots mobiliser, who will be a great asset to the APC both in the state and nationally.”
The registration letter made available to our correspondent reads thus:
The National Chairman,
People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
Wadata Plaza
Abuja.
RESIGNATION AS A MEMBER OF THE PARTY
I feel very fulfilled that l have contributed my best to the development of the party in various capacities. Recall that I contested for the position of National Chairman of the party at the 2017 National Convention held in Abuja with a clear vision to reposition the party. You may also recall that l challenged the outcome of the National Chairmanship election at a Federal High Court in Abuja but voluntarily withdrew the case in the interest of the Party.
My nationwide campaigns across all geo political zones of the country for the National Chairmanship position from 2016 to 2017 has further advanced my understanding of the geo-political terrains of our blessed country Nigeria. My antecedents as a Pan Nigerian will continue to bear on the unity of our country.
While thanking my various well-wishers, friends and colleagues across the country who in the cause of my academic, professional and political life in different parts of the country have provided me the needed support and encouragement, I wish to tender my resignation as a member of the party.
Sincerely,
Signed
Prof. Taoheed Adedoja
