BARELY 24 hours after the G5 Oyo state gubernatorial rally, some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State have declared their support for the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in a surprise turn of events in the state.
The decision of the leaders is contrary to Governor Seyi Makinde’s stand, and as a member of the G5 or Integrity Group, who has dissociated himself from the campaign of Atiku over his alleged refusal to give room for the southern bloc in the leadership structure of the party, this is a big daint on Makinde’s authority at state level.
News Point Nigeria gathered that the frontline leaders of the group are; former minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), Olajumoke Akinjide; ex-minister of mines and steels development, Wole Oyelese; former deputy governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi and the director, special duties of the PDP presidential campaign council, Femi Babalola (Jogor).
The group under the umbrella, the National Mandate Group, had a walk campaign for Atiku in the state on Wednesday despite Gov Makinde’s refusal to grant approval for that.
In a telephone chat with The PUNCH on Thursday, former minister, Oyelese said, “I couldn’t have been there because the so-called G5 governors are working against the presidential candidate of the party who is the symbol of the party. For any serious politician, you will not attend such a function. By attending, it will be like an indirect way of approving what they are doing.
“Our knowledge of politics can never be the same. A serious politician who understands politics will not attend. Have you asked yourself why Ademola Adeleke who is the current Governor of Osun State and PDP Governor in the South-West was not there? Why Adebutu was not there?
“You remember, Adebutu sent someone to us On Wednesday to participate in our Freedom March. If you check their flag-off, nobody from Ekiti State, nobody from Ondo. Fayose is one of the people supporting G5. Even though, we don’t know why they are supporting the G5.
“So, I couldn’t have been there. That means I’m giving approval to what they have been doing. By going there, it’s like I’m supporting them,” he insisted.
Reacting to the development on Friday, Atiku commended the PDP stalwarts in the state for their action while keeping mum on the flag-off of Governor Seyi Makinde’s rally.
The former vice president took to his verified Twitter page, and said: “Oyo State, I heard you loud and clear yesterday. I take it warmly as a vote of confidence in me and our great party, @OfficialPDPNig. You proved that my love for the Pace-Setter State over the years is not in vain.”
“My promise to you is this: we shall work closely together in the mission to Recover Nigeria.”
