Hakeem Olalemi is the PDP Vice Chairman (Central) in Lagos State. He recently spoke about Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection. Olalemi stated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not miss the Rivers State Governor. Governor Fubara recently moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Olalemi released a statement on Wednesday, December 10. He described Governor Fubara’s exit as a personal choice. This decision, he noted, was driven by the governor’s quest for political survival.

“Everyone has a right to choose their affiliation,” Olalemi explained regarding Fubara’s defection. “I believe Governor Fubara’s decision is personal. He seeks protection. He feels President Bola Tinubu can provide it.”

He dismissed any suggestions. The move, he said, was not linked to internal crises within the national PDP. The Lagos PDP chieftain emphasized this point.

Olalemi stressed that political tensions in Rivers State predate the PDP’s current challenges. “We cannot connect his defection to the PDP crisis,” Olalemi affirmed. “It is not a party issue. Fubara’s crisis is unique. He faced political conflict long before our PDP issues began.”

PDP’s Internal Struggles Blamed on Constitutional Disregard

Olalemi also commented on the PDP’s ongoing internal challenges. He attributed them to individuals who allegedly ignore the party’s constitution. “Some people refuse to follow the law,” he stated. “They want to operate as they see fit. This is causing problems within the PDP.”

He added, “If we followed the party and Nigerian constitutions strictly, these issues wouldn’t exist. Those seeking shortcuts to success are holding the PDP back.”

Despite these challenges, Olalemi expressed optimism. He believes the PDP will soon stabilize. The party, he noted, will then return to its path of progress.

Governor Fubara’s Minimal Contribution to PDP

When asked about missing Fubara, Olalemi highlighted the governor’s absence. “Have you seen him in PDP activities for the past two years?” he questioned. “No. So, what exactly would we miss?”

He acknowledged that losing members is not good for any party. However, Olalemi spoke plainly. “The truth is, Fubara has not contributed much. This has been the case since he became governor.”

Despite this, Olalemi confirmed the party wishes Governor Fubara well. They support him in his new political direction. He noted Fubara’s decision to support President Tinubu. Without the President’s intervention, Fubara believed he would have been a “former governor” by now.