As a way of preparing for life without former governor Rashidi Ladoja who is set to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, this week, Engr Seyi Makinde last night visited former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.
The PDP had been enmeshed in leadership crisis since last November when the party was factionalized along Ladoja/Makinde factions.
Efforts by the national working committee of the party to harmonize the party proved abortive as Ladoja’s loyalist who was secretary of the party- Wasii Emiola was replaced with Makinde’s loyalist- Wasiu Adeleke. The Action didn’t go well with Ladoja.
OYO INSIGHT had reported extensively how Ladoja is set to defect this week with 16 of the 32 members of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Alao-Akala, whose son currently chairs Ogbomoso North local government, recently announced his intention to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Below is the press statement from Alao-Akala Campaign Office.
PRESS STATEMENT
Today, His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala received in audience Two chieftains of the opposition People’s Democratic Party in the person of Engineer Seyi Makinde and Alhaji Bisi Olopeniyan at his Awosika Residence in Ibadan.
The main crux of the visit was to intimate Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala of the leadership vacuum that has existed within the rank of the PDP in Oyo state with the exit of Sen. Rashidi Ladoja from the party and to once again invite His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala to come and Lead the party with his wealth of experience.
The duo also brought good tidings from the National Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party and expressed the readiness of the National Working Committee of the PDP to work with Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Welcoming the guests, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala thanked them for the gesture extended to him by the Leadership of the party at various levels and the confidence reposed him.
However, His Excellency informed his guests of his unflinching commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress at both the state and National levels which remains unwavering.
He stated clearly that he has no reason whatsoever to leave the APC as he enjoys a peaceful and harmonious working relationship with the leadership of the party right from the wards up to the National level hence he will not be able to honour the invitation extended to him.
His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala thanked the guests once again for the visit and also used the opportunity to invite them to join him in The All Progressives Congress and promised them a level playing ground to operate politically.
SIGNED:
JEREMIAH AKANDE
Head,
New Media and Public Affairs,
Akala Campaign Organisation.
01-08-2018