The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reportedly concluded plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has instructed all party aspirants in the state not to obtain forms.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the development follows the defection of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, from the PDP to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Mohammed announced his defection on Saturday after what he described as a series of consultations with political stakeholders.
He cited the Supreme Court judgment on the PDP leadership dispute as a turning point, stressing that the verdict left the party without clear legal and organisational direction.
A party leader in the South-West and ally to the Governor in an interview with PUNCH, said Makinde would leave the PDP “any moment from now,” but was uncertain about the party he is going.
The PDP leader said, “I am aware the governor will leave (the PDP) any moment from now, but I don’t know the party he is going to yet.”
Similarly, a key member of Makinde’s cabinet disclosed that the governor was considering options before resigning from the PDP.
The cabinet member said, “The governor is prepared to leave the party. We are still discussing and considering options. It will not be too late for the people of Oyo and our aspirants.”
Also, an official in the Governor’s Office reiterated that Makinde’s move was imminent.
He said, “The governor has directed all the aspirants in the PDP not to obtain forms under the PDP. He and other PDP leaders have screened all the aspirants except those in Oyo South Senatorial District. Our next destination is most likely NDC or APM. Everything will be settled next week.”
However, Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, dismissed the speculations noting that the governor had not mentioned any defection plan.
