*Optimistic of the success of party’s forthcoming national convention
*Says defection not worrisome
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed the firm optimism that the various challenges being faced by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will be resolved in an amicable and family way by its leaders.
Senator Adeleke similarly declared that the party’s forthcoming national convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, will be successful and come out as one of the best organized conventions in the country.
The Governor said these on Monday in Abuja, while answering questions from Journalists shortly after the inauguration of the accommodation sub-committee of the PDP National convention billed to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
Adeleke however downplayed the latest gale of defections of PDP Governors and others to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, saying that he is not so much bothered about the development, as the masses are still very much with the party.
According to the Osun State Governor, “I can assure you that we are meeting and resolving our issues internally. It is a family affair. We do not want anyone outside to add sugar, pepper or salt to the matter.
“We are handling it ourselves. The PDP is a family, and we know how to manage our affairs”, he said.
Speaking on the issue of the forthcoming elective national convention of the PDP, Adeleke said, “We just finished the inaugural meeting of the accommodation sub-committee. Everybody was present at our recent meeting, and we have resolved everything that needed to be sorted out so that the convention can proceed smoothly. We believe it will be very successful.
“As you all know, the PDP believes in proper organisation, in doing things the right way, and in accordance with the rule of law. That is exactly what we are doing.
“We have successfully organised many conventions in the past, and this one will even be more successful.
“By the special grace of God, the PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength”, he said optimistically.
Responding to the issue of the defection from the PDP to the ruling APC, the Governor, who is widely known as ‘Imole’ by his supporters, said, “I’m not concerned. Anybody, whether a governor or a minister, has the right to make their own decision. That does not change anything in the PDP. We still have strong membership and widespread support across Nigeria.
“They are adults and have their reasons for leaving, but I am not worried. Some people say I might be planning to join the APC because I have friends there or have been seen attending their events. “I’m a very civilised person. If I have friends in the APC and they invite me to a wedding or social function, I will attend. That doesn’t mean I’m joining them.
“As we speak, I am the Deputy Chairman of our convention, which holds on the 15th and 16th of November, and I remain a loyal member of the PDP. I also chair the accommodation sub-committee of the convention.
“The PDP does not believe in propaganda or endless talk. Many people from other parties are also defecting, that’s politics. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, but everyone has the right to do as they wish.
“Our focus is on unity, organisation and success. By God’s grace, our convention will be a great success, and the PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength”, he assured.
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