Former Amosun's Ally, Akinlade formally quits PDP, cites injustice, party internal crisis
The Former Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general polls in Ogun State, Hon Adekunle Akinlade, has formally quit the party ahead of the 2027 general polls.
Akinlade who was the 2019 Governorship candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) had dumped the All Progressives Congress to contest the poll being the preferred candidate of the then incumbent governor Ibikunle Amosun where he lost to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
He returned to APC after the poll but prior to the 2023 poll and in a more dramatic move, Triple A as fondly called again dumped APC to become the running mate of Hon Ladi Adebutu where they lost to Governor Abiodun who won his re-election.
But, in a latest development, Akinlade in a letter addressed to his ward Chairman in Agosasa, announced his defection from PDP.
The former Governorship candidate blamed his current decision on the protracting internal crisis rocking the party in the state and as well at the national level.
Akinlade, however, said he will announce his political direction soon.
"I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my Membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect".
"This decision became necessary after wide consultations and engagement with party members, political associates, leaders, stakeholders, family and friends. I thank you for the support and opportunity accorded me as a member and wish you the very best."
"After a period of deep introspection and wide-ranging consultations with party members, political associates, respected leaders, stakeholders, and my family, I formally announce my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect."
"This decision was not taken lightly. It follows persistent and unresolved internal crises within the Ogun State chapter of the PDP, which have regrettably undermined our collective aspirations for a more inclusive, democratic, and forward-looking party. Despite our genuine commitment to party-building and efforts to provide credible leadership, we were met with deliberate obstructions, institutional disregard, and repeated acts of bad faith from both zonal and national leadership of the party.
"Rather than serve as a stabilizing force and neutral arbiter, the National Working Committee (NWC) chose to align with a particular faction of the party in Ogun State, effectively abandoning its constitutional responsibility to promote unity and fairness. This partisan posture culminated in the recognition of a parallel register during the 2024 Local Government and State Congresses, in clear violation of the PDP's constitution and guidelines."
"Our group had complied with all procedural requirements during the registration exercise, submitting duly compiled and authenticated membership registers containing over 49,000 names. These registers were accepted and formed the basis for the Ward Congresses of August 2024. However, the sudden substitution of our validated register with that of another group, and the imposition of unauthorized congress outcomes, rendered the process not only unjust but unsustainable."
"These infractions triggered parallel congresses across the 236 Wards, 20 Local Governments, and at the state level leading to prolonged legal disputes now before the Court of Appeal. Yet again, during the recently concluded PDP South West Zonal Congress, the party leadership missed another opportunity for reconciliation by excluding our bloc from meaningful participation and ceding total control to one faction."
"The current turmoil within the national structure of the PDP, coupled with growing defections across the federation, raises valid concerns about the future and direction of the party. As a leader with a duty to my constituents, political family, and supporters, I cannot continue to associate with a party whose internal processes are defined by selective justice and institutional bias."
"Therefore, I hereby tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In the coming days, after due consultation and alignment, I will announce our next political direction."
"To the members of the Triple A Political Family, our loyal supporters across Ogun State and beyond, I express my profound gratitude for your unwavering support, courage, and faith in our shared vision for a more prosperous and equitable Ogun State and Nigeria", Akinlade concluded.
