A former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid the party’s lingering leadership crisis. The announcement was made on Thursday during celebrations for his 79th birthday, organized by the Asiwaju Mandate Group in Akure. Oluwateru, who served as deputy governor from 2003 to 2007 under the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, cited the lack of direction, foresight, and internal cohesion within the PDP as the reason for his decision.
As a former Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda and a one-time member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Oluwateru expressed his disappointment with the party’s current state. He specifically mentioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a factor exacerbating the party’s internal challenges. Oluwateru stated that he is not leaving politics but is leaving the PDP, and will announce his next political move in the coming weeks.
The former deputy governor submitted his resignation letter to his ward chairman, marking the end of his 24-year tenure with the PDP. His departure has been viewed as a significant development in the state’s political landscape. Engr Ade Adetimehin, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, welcomed Oluwateru’s decision, describing him as a man of integrity and a valuable addition to the progressive family.
Although Oluwateru did not officially declare his intention to join the APC, Adetimehin expressed confidence that he would join the party. The development comes as the PDP continues to grapple with internal conflicts and power struggles at both national and state levels. Oluwateru’s resignation underscores the challenges facing the opposition party and may have implications for the state’s political dynamics. As Oluwateru prepares to announce his next political move, his decision is likely to be closely watched by political observers and analysts in the region.
