Why I left PDP — Adeleye opens up, denies financial inducement

Chinedum Ukaegbu

A former Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, has firmly denied allegations that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was financially motivated, insisting that no monetary inducement influenced his decision.

Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Monday, Adeleye described the bribery claims as “cheap propaganda,” maintaining that his move was guided strictly by political realities and the need to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving political environment.

“To God who made me, I, Hon. Lukman Adeleye Olalekan, did not receive any kobo. The members and I did not take a dime. This is not material-driven; it has nothing to do with money. This is a very lazy and cheap propaganda. Our decision is driven by political realities and the need to remain relevant,” he said.

Adeleye clarified that his defection was not influenced by any promise of automatic return tickets or electoral advantage, stressing that he and his colleagues are prepared to undergo the All Progressives Congress’s internal democratic processes.

He noted that while they are confident the party recognizes their political value and contributions, no formal assurances were given regarding candidacy.

“The assurance I am talking about is not that the APC has told us that we will be given a ticket. Nobody has assured us that we are going to have a ticket. We are ready to subject ourselves to the tenets and values of the party and abide by its rules, including direct primaries and consensus arrangements,” he said.

The lawmaker attributed his defection to the prolonged internal crisis within the PDP, which he said had weakened the party’s structure and undermined its effectiveness as a viable political platform.

According to him, years of internal wrangling, litigations, and leadership disputes eroded confidence among members and created uncertainty about the party’s future.

“Since 2019, we have been battling one crisis or the other. We thought it would be resolved, but it kept getting worse. We went through litigation Supreme Court battles, and even after the 2023 elections, the crisis persisted. At one point, even the national convention was nullified by the court. That was when it became clear that the party was no longer stable,” he stated.

Adeleye further cited conflicting signals from key figures within the PDP, including comments attributed to Nyesom Wike, as raising concerns about the party’s electoral readiness.

“If you are in a house that is burning and you struggle for survival by escaping, I do not think that is a sin. Political survival is part of democracy. Our aspirations cannot be achieved under such a regime,” he added.

Representing Odogbolu State Constituency, Adeleye explained that the decision to defect followed extensive consultations with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and political associates within his constituency.

He described the move as a grassroots-driven decision aimed at sustaining development and ensuring effective representation, noting that the overwhelming support he received during his ward declaration validated his action.

The lawmaker also expressed confidence in retaining the support of his constituents, emphasizing that his political strength is rooted in years of direct engagement and service rather than party affiliation.

“I have been in this local government for over two and a half decades. I have lived with my people and contributed my quota. For me, it is not about political parties, but a people-driven movement,” he said.

Adeleye argued that political parties in Nigeria often serve as platforms for survival rather than ideological institutions, noting that the country’s democratic system is still evolving.
He maintained that aligning with a more stable political structure was necessary to ensure continuity in governance and better service delivery.

With the defection of Adeleye and five other lawmakers, the Ogun State House of Assembly is now fully controlled by the APC, effectively ending opposition representation in the legislature and marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

However, Adeleye dismissed concerns that the development signals the emergence of a one-party state, insisting that opposition parties remain active across Ogun State.

“The House being homogeneous does not mean the state is a one-party state. You will still see secretariats of different political parties across the state. Democracy is still evolving, and this should not be exaggerated,” he said.

While the development has sparked debate over its implications for democratic balance, Adeleye assured that legislative oversight and accountability would not be compromised.

He reiterated that his priority remains delivering effective governance and upholding the trust of his constituents.