A “Liability” Adeleke’s Spokesperson, Osun Speaker Actively Persuaded – PDP Mocks Accord Stands On Lawmakers’ Defection
The Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has mocked the Accord Party in Osun State over its comments on the defection of the lawmaker representing Iwo state constituency at the House of Assembly, Hon. Rabiu Atanda, to the All Progressives Congress.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Atanda, on Tuesday, met with the leaders of the APC less than 48 hours after he pledged his support for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The lawmaker had earlier, in a letter which was not signed or dated on Monday, resigned from the Accord Party, citing personal reasons.
But a few hours after, Atanda in a video, flanked by the spokesperson to Governor Adeleke and the speaker of the assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, announced the retraction of the resignation letter.
However, the lawmaker’s Personal Assistant, Adewale Adigun, in a series of Facebook posts, claimed that the video where his principal withdrew the resignation letter was done under pressure.
The factional PDP in a statement by Osun State
Caretaker Committee Secretary, Seyi Bamidele, questioned the Accord Party over the outrage that followed the defection of the lawmaker.
The statement said Atanda’s defection to the APC could best be described as a case of a “thief being stolen from by a fellow thief”, adding that the lawmaker had earlier left the PDP, where he secured his mandate for the Accord Party.
“The defection of the Iwo State House of Assembly member to the All Progressives Congress (APC) can best be described as a case of a thief being stolen from by a fellow thief. Having secured his mandate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his eventual defection raises a simple question: Why the outrage now?
“It is rather amusing to see individuals from the Accord Party suddenly labelling the same lawmaker as a liability instead of an asset.
“This is particularly ironic, considering that not long ago, key figures within your party—including your spokesperson and even the Speaker—were actively persuading this so-called “liability” not to defect.
“This contradiction clearly exposes a party struggling with internal confusion and lack of direction.
“Let it be clearly stated: there is nothing like “PDPAccord” as being speculated in some quarters. No such political entity is recognised or registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Attempts to create or promote such a narrative only reflect political inconsistency and mischief.
“Yes, as a party, we acknowledge that we are facing temporary challenges—largely due to the betrayal of individuals who benefitted immensely from the goodwill, structure, and mandate of the PDP, only to abandon it. However, let it be known that the Peoples Democratic Party remains resilient.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
