Umar Sani, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has shed light on why Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke reportedly did not participate in the party’s primary election.
Sani stated that Governor Adeleke allegedly believes the party’s internal issues could prevent the PDP from presenting a legally recognized candidate.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Sani claimed the governor intended to defect to another party. The alleged plan was to secure a ticket there and then return to the PDP.
Sani further alleged that Governor Adeleke intentionally skipped the primary. This, he suggested, was to facilitate his temporary defection.
PDP Chieftain Details Primary Election Process
Sani, who chaired the three-man ad hoc delegates committee for Osun, confirmed his direct supervision of the delegates’ election in Osogbo.
He noted that the exercise proceeded peacefully. The results were then uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal. INEC officially acknowledged these results.
Sani emphasized that the PDP rejected this alleged strategy. The party insists all aspirants must contest on its platform. This is crucial for preserving the PDP’s integrity.
Sani’s Account of Adeleke’s Alleged Strategy
Sani reiterated his firsthand involvement in the process. “I was the chairman of the three-man ad hoc delegates committee,” he stated. “I was in Osogbo and lodged at DC Hotel. We conducted the three-man delegate election.”
He confirmed returning to Abuja afterwards. “The results have been uploaded to the INEC portal,” Sani added. “INEC has recognized it. I received it. I am speaking from the inside, not as an outsider.”
He detailed Adeleke’s alleged motive. “Governor Adeleke does not want the PDP to field a candidate,” Sani explained. “He believes there’s a problem within the PDP.” Specifically, he questioned whose signature INEC would recognize.
Sani claimed Adeleke’s strategy was to “move to another party, get the seat, and then return back to PDP.”
PDP Rejects Alleged Plan
The party, however, rejected this. “The PDP says no, we cannot do that,” Sani affirmed. “We want somebody to run on our platform.”
He questioned the implications for the party’s image. “What will the party look like if we have a platform but don’t use it?” he asked. “Other people might follow suit, giving the same excuse to leave and return.”
“Therefore, we insisted that anyone who wants to contest must use our platform,” Sani concluded. “That’s why we conducted the primary election.” He stressed its integrity: “It was not hijacked by anyone. It was done peacefully. News of it spread across social media. The results were openly counted and announced.”
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