Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, has offered a clear explanation regarding Governor Ademola Adeleke’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He stated that the decision was not sudden. Instead, it stemmed from prolonged internal challenges within the party.

Speaking to Osun residents on Tuesday during the “Frank Talk” programme on Rave FM, Alimi confirmed the governor’s move. He revealed that Adeleke had contemplated this resignation for a significant period. “The governor of Osun State and the Asiwaju of Ede has formally resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party,” Alimi announced. “The governor has done this and has written his resignation letter for quite a long time.”

Appreciation and Reasons for Exit

Alimi further conveyed Governor Adeleke’s appreciation for the unwavering support from the people of Osun State. He urged citizens to remain calm. He also encouraged them to continue backing the administration. “It was long overdue,” he remarked. He cited a Yoruba proverb, which translates to mean that the people are the governor’s protectors. Alimi also expressed his personal joy at the widespread public support.

Addressing the core reasons for the governor’s departure, the Commissioner highlighted a significant internal crisis. This division, particularly at the PDP national level, played a crucial role. The approaching governorship election further compounded the situation. The nomination timeline was tightening. Alimi explained the urgency. “The INEC window for nomination is closing by December 15,” he stated. “That’s why the governor has to resign.”

Opposition’s Reaction and Adeleke’s Strategy

When asked about the assumption that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with Adeleke’s exit, Alimi dismissed it. He described the purported happiness within the APC camp as mere pretense. According to him, the opposition had misjudged Governor Adeleke. They believed he would be naive enough to contest under a party plagued by internal strife.

“They thought he would be a stupid person,” Alimi said. “So that they would now be able to use that one to challenge him.” He suggested that those causing problems within the PDP were aligned with other political parties. The APC in Osun, he added, intended to use the national PDP crisis to file a case against Adeleke. Their aim was to continually fight him on all fronts.

However, Alimi stressed that Governor Adeleke is much smarter. “Adeleke is always ahead of them,” he asserted. The governor’s timely resignation thwarted the APC’s plans. Now, the opposition is reportedly unhappy. They realize Adeleke has outmaneuvered them.

Future Political Direction

Regarding Governor Adeleke’s next political affiliation, Alimi stated that discussions are ongoing. He assured the public that clarity would emerge soon. “Let us take it one after the other,” he advised. “An election is a process.” He indicated that by December 12 or 13, the public would know Adeleke’s new party. This timeline aligns with the December 15 deadline for party nominations and primaries.

Alimi further emphasized that Adeleke’s resignation was entirely avoidable. It occurred solely due to the division within the national PDP. “Had it been that the PDP is not fractionalized at the national level,” Alimi concluded, “there wouldn’t be any reason for Governor Ademola Adeleke to have resigned from PDP.”