Akeredolu’s defection rumour wicked, complete lie – APC

…it remains a rumour- PDP

By Mary Agidi
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The All Progressives Congress Party, APC, in Ondo State has described as wicked and a complete lie, the rumour making the rounds that the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,  is hobnobbing with the Peoples Democratic Party, with a view to defect to the party ahead of the next gubernatorial election in the state.

In a statement issued by the APC state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Alex Kalejaye, the party appealed to its members to disregard the rumour, describing it as a baseless and misleading publication.

“Though we would have preferred to ignore this irresponsible rumour, it is however expedient to dispel the rumour, so that it will not pollute the minds of our members, and mislead the public.

“The Governor has never contemplated joining a party of the conservatives, let alone contesting election on its platform. He hails from the bedrock of progressives in the state, and has always been a progressive.

“It is also imperative to inform the rumour-mongers that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,  invested so much into the development of APC in Ondo State. Today, he is well respected and appreciated in the APC, and therefore has no reason whatsoever to flirt with another political party.

“We are not unaware that some opposition parties are feeling intimidated by the sterling performance of the Akeredolu-led administration, and are planning to distract him through whatever means. This is a mission in futility.

“The government is not perturbed about this or any other ploy. The revolution in the infrastructure development will be sustained; massive investment drive won’t slow down; commitment to workers’ welfare remains a top priority.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the good people of Ondo State, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of these initiatives have consistently maintained that they are comfortable with the present administration, and will always support it.

“The Ondo State APC is confident that the party will continue to fortify its strength, and support the government in its development drive, building of the party and its members. The statement reads.

Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo state had earlier issued a statement to this regard, saying the rumour is predicated on the recurring challenges the Governor continues to encounter in his Party, APC.

In a statement issued by the Zonal Publicity Secretary of the Party Mr. Ayo Fadaka and made available to The Hope, the party noted that the hoopla surrounding Akeredolu’s desire to join PDP remains a rumor and currently not an issue.

The party also enjoinec its members in the State to disregard the rumor and continue to promote and extend the frontiers of the Party in their various communities.

“We however wish to state most unequivocally that the PDP in Ondo State remains cohesive, solid and vibrant through dint of hard work and commitment of leaders and members of the Party and as such is not primed to be taken over by anyone, irrespective of his status.

 “We also declare that anyone who wishes to join our Party will also be welcome into our ranks provided such a person or group recognises the fact that no special privileges will be accorded him/them upon joining.