From MOSHOOD ADEBAYO, Abeokuta
No fewer than 5,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State have defected to the Labour Party (LP). Speaking to journalists on behalf of the members during a unity meeting in Isara area of the local government, former member of House of Representatives, 'Ladi Adebutu, who led the defectors stated that it was time the defected members moved forward politically.
He expressed the opinion that the internal crisis in the PDP in the state would make it difficult for the party to represent the interest of the electorate in 2015 and beyond.
According to him, the current leadership of the PDP in the state had excluded the interests of other critical stakeholders, adding that the party had become more fragmented than ever. He said, "I believe there is a time for a man to re-access and re-appraise his position and I believe strongly that the time is now for me and my thousands of members in the state to move forward because currently in the state, the PDP cannot act in the interest of the people."
Adebutu added: "The current internal wrangling in the PDP has made the party prostate. I don't see it being in a position to fully represent the interest of our people in 2015 and beyond, hence, we have decided to decamp to the Labour Party. We have moved enmass to the LP where we hope we will be able to serve our state better than in the PDP, which continues to relish in controversies at the expense of our people."
Adebutu lamented the division in the party that caused its dismal performance during the last general election, saying it appeared many of its members had not learnt any lesson.
While expressing optimism that the LP would spring surprises in the state, the Remo politician said, "we have 18 months or thereabout. I can assure that in the next 90 days, it will be clear to everybody that Ogun State is a LP state."
The LP Secretary in the state, Mr. Sunday Oginni, said the party would continue to welcome defectors from the PDP and other parties in Ogun.
In a swift reaction, the Ogun PDP, which reacted through its state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waliu Oladipupo, said Adebutu had always been a member of the PPN led by former governor, Gbenga Daniel.
While stressing that the PDP in Adebutu's Remo homestead remained strong, Oladipupo said, "unlike their fledgling party, the PDP in Ogun State does not belong to one man. It belongs to the people who have entrusted the running of its affairs into the hands of tested, trusted and experienced men and women.
"Whatever decision is taken on behalf of the party is done in consultation with the people. That is why the leadership of the party meets with the people through various fora every week," he stated.
Via: Sun News Online
People see PDP as the best party in Nigeria. That's why it's always news whenever anyone leaves. But they can actually be defeated...
Quote from: Folami David on May 20, 2013, 11:33 AM
People see PDP as the best party in Nigeria. That's why it's always news whenever anyone leaves. But they can actually be defeated...
I agree with you. No party is too popular to be defeated if the people are ready for that change.