The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has attributed the defection of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to circumstances beyond his control. According to Ini Ememobong, the party’s factional National Publicity Secretary, Governor Adeleke’s decision to leave the party is a result of a series of events that were not adequately addressed by the party’s leadership.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Ememobong stated that the party’s failure to take decisive action when problems arose in 2023 ultimately led to Adeleke’s defection. He explained that the party’s leadership had attempted to negotiate with Adeleke, hoping that he would reconsider his position once passions had cooled down. However, these efforts were unsuccessful, and the party’s convention in Ibadan ultimately led to Adeleke’s departure.

Ememobong described Adeleke’s situation as “vicarious,” implying that the governor’s actions were influenced by factors outside of his control. He emphasized that the party’s leadership should have taken more decisive action to address the issues that led to Adeleke’s defection. Instead, the party’s inaction created an environment in which Adeleke felt compelled to leave.

The defection of Governor Adeleke is a significant development in Nigerian politics, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the PDP. The party has been grappling with internal conflicts and power struggles, which have led to the departure of several key members. As the party moves forward, it will be important for its leadership to address these issues and take decisive action to prevent further defections.

The PDP’s ability to retain its members and maintain a strong presence in Nigerian politics will depend on its ability to effectively manage its internal conflicts and provide a clear direction for its members. The party’s leadership will need to take a proactive approach to addressing the issues that led to Adeleke’s defection, in order to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.