Abayomi Tella, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has claimed that members who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are now sidelined.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Tella stated these defectors have become mere onlookers in the ruling party. He attributed this to their absence during the APC’s formative stages.

The immediate past PDP chairman in the state, Sikirulai Ogundele, along with others, notably switched to the ruling APC in July 2023. However, Tella warned that the APC might not fully integrate these new members. He argued they were never part of the party’s initial struggle for power.

Defectors Now Onlookers, Says Ogun PDP Chairman

“It is no longer enviable for a politician to cross from PDP to APC,” Tella declared. He explained that most former PDP members who made the move are now simply observing events. “They were not part of their system from day one,” he added.

Tella further stressed that when APC members actively worked for their party’s victory, the defectors were absent. Consequently, he believes they will continue to be treated as outsiders.

PDP’s Open Invitation to Key Political Figures

Despite these criticisms, Tella announced the PDP remains open to welcoming back certain prominent figures. He specifically mentioned Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who represents Ogun East.

He indicated that the PDP would strategically benefit from any existing rifts between Abiodun and Daniel. This move is aimed at attracting them back, especially if either fails to secure a party ticket.

Tella highlighted that Abiodun, Daniel, and former Governor Ibikunle Amosun all have deep political roots within the PDP. He assured them of a warm welcome back to the fold at any time.

Strategizing on Political Rifts for Party Gain

“Part of politics is rift, and PDP gaining from it is also part of politics,” the chairman stated. He emphasized the party’s intention to analyze areas where it can benefit from the ongoing disagreements between Dapo Abiodun and OGD.

Tella suggested that Governor Abiodun might not secure his senatorial ticket from the APC. He believes this rift could be an opportunity to entice Abiodun back to the PDP, where he could be “rehabilitated” to align with the party’s ideologies.

“If it is OGD that we can lure back into PDP, he is welcome,” Tella affirmed. “We will gladly harvest him back into the party because he is already a good breed.” He added that bringing Amosun back would also be a significant advantage.

“Harvesting people like OGD, Abiodun, and Amosun into PDP is a big win for the party,” he declared. He reiterated that all three originated from the PDP, with ambition being the primary reason for their departure.

“We will begin to work immediately on the rift between Abiodun and OGD to ensure that PDP gains from it,” Tella concluded. “They don’t need to be fighting in APC when they can just come to PDP where they left.”