by Adeola Balogun

Following the recent merger between the Abubakar Baraje-led  faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Osun State Governor and prominent “New PDP” member, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has denied being part of the decision.

The embattled National Secretary of the ruling party, who is on suspension and has also been summoned to face a PDP disciplinary committee, has said that he is still a member of the party.

This makes Oyinlola the 3rd member of the faction to deny moving to the APC. Governor Babangida Aliyu and Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa have both also denied leaving the PDP.

Channels reports:

In a statement released by his Principal Secretary, Femi Adelegan, on Wednesday, Oyinlola said it was imperative that he makes sure his political position is clear, although he was present at the meeting where some other members of the nPDP officially joined the APC.

The statement disclosed that “Oyinlola remains the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party and will continue to lay claim his legal and valid status.”

Although he was suspended from the party for his supposed ‘anti-party’ activities, Oyinlola insisted that his “suspension does not invalidate his substantive role as the party’s scribe.”

The former Osun state governor stated that he is committed to the PDP leadership through dedicated and selfless service, as well as rising to challenges and the responsibilities of any office he is privileged to occupy legitimately; as these virtues have become his second nature.

The statement added that Oyinlola, who was elected at the PDP national convention of March 24, 2012, and confirmed by the report of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC on the exercise, as well as the Court of Appeal, through its judgement on November 6, 2013, will at all times strive to uphold truth, absolute honesty and unimpeachable respect for the Rule of Law and constitutionalism.

Mr Oyinlola however says he is thankful and deeply encouraged by the demonstration of solidarity by well-meaning Nigerians, locally and abroad; who have continued to call to commend him for his indomitable spirit, endurance, courage and the dutiful manner with which he has continued to respond to the political problems of the PDP.

Meanwhile, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has said it is too early to assess the political situation that has arisen with the alliance between some governors of the nPDP and the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Reacting to news of the alliance, he said he believes it is a good move, if the governors believe they will perform better in the new party and that it is a good development for Nigeria’s democratic growth.

However, he was not clear as to whether he had also moved to the APC or not.