Umar Sani, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has shed light on why Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke missed the party’s recent primary election.

Sani stated that Governor Adeleke believes internal party disagreements would prevent the PDP from presenting a legally recognized candidate.

Allegations of a Planned Party Switch

During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Sani made a serious allegation. He claimed the governor intends to defect to another political party. His goal, Sani suggested, is to secure a ticket there and then return to the PDP.

Sani further alleged that Governor Adeleke deliberately avoided the primary process. This, he said, was to create grounds for a temporary defection.

The PDP’s Firm Stance

Sani, who chaired the three-man ad hoc delegates committee for Osun, personally oversaw the delegates’ election in Osogbo. He confirmed the exercise was peaceful. Results were uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal. INEC officially acknowledged them.

The PDP chieftain emphasized the party’s strong disapproval of such a strategy. He insisted that all aspirants must contest on the PDP platform. This, he explained, is crucial for preserving the party’s integrity.

Sani elaborated on his involvement: “I was the chairman of the three-man ad hoc delegates committee. I went to Osun. I was in Osogbo and lodged at DC Hotel.”

“We conducted the three-man delegate election. Afterwards, I returned to Abuja. The results have been uploaded to the INEC portal. INEC has recognized them. I am speaking to you from an informed position.”

Sani continued, explaining the governor’s alleged reasoning. “Governor Adeleke does not want the PDP to field a candidate. He believes there’s a problem within the PDP. This concerns whose signature INEC will recognize.”

“So, he’s trying to move to another party. According to him, he would get the seat and then return to the PDP.”

However, the PDP rejected this plan. “The PDP says no, we cannot do that. We want someone to run on our platform.”

“What would the party look like if we have a platform but don’t use anyone on it? Other people might then also leave. They would give the same excuse, ‘let me get something elsewhere and come back.’”

“So we said, no. Anyone who wants to contest must use our platform. That is why we conducted the primary election. It was not hijacked by anyone. It was done peacefully. The results were counted openly and announced; it was all over social media.”