The Oyo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), on Wednesday, confirmed that it is still part of the coalition with Governor Seyi Makinde of the state.
The party said that the need to affirm its support for Makinde was necessary in response to a statement credited to Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, who alleged that the governor has deviated from the pre-election agreements he had with him.
DAILY POST recalls that Lanlehin, who was the gubernatorial candidate of ADC during the 2019 elections in the state, had announced his withdrawal from the coalition formed to team up with Makinde ahead of the 2019 gubernatorial election.
He was one of the major political actors who worked with Makinde to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu in the 9th March election.
Lanlehin of ADC, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Chief Bolaji Ayorinde of Social Democratic Party (SDP), few days to the election, fortited their ambitions and supported Makinde ahead of the gubernatorial election.
It was gathered that an agreement was reached by Makinde and other political gladiators included the trio of Lanlehin, Alli, Ayorinde. Others who worked for Makinde and were privy and part of the agreement are former Governor of the state, Senator Rasidi Ladoja, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu among others.
Lanlehin on Tuesday said he has pulled out of the coalition agreement due to non-copliance with the said agreements by Makinde, though the governor’s political adviser, Mr. Babatunde Oduyoye has exonerated his principal.
But, ADC in a statement made available to DAILY POST by its Acting Publicity Secretary, Barrister Bimpe Adelowo, said that this is not the time to trade blame, but a period of sober consolidation of strength of the forces that terminate APC government in the state.
The party said, “The facts, claims and conclusion set out in the press statement issued by Senator Oluwafemi Lanlehin, our gubernatorial candidate and face of ADC in the coalition arrangement and rejoinder issued on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters on 2nd July, 2019 regarding the withdrawal of Senator Lanlehin from coalition government in Oyo State have necessitated our party’s intervention through this press statement.
“ADC as one of the coalescent parties that formed the current government in Oyo State wishes to express its concern on the press statements issued by both its gubernatorial candidate and Oyo State Governor regarding the coalition arrangements and reactions trailing the said statements.
“As matter of public interest, ADC first of all, is still committed to coalition arrangements as an integral part of Oyo State Government.
ADC understands that there might be resolvable minor understanding among few leaders within the coalition arrangements based on their individual philosophy, values and principle; however, this does not in any way suggest breakdown of the coalition arrangement.
“ADC has thus far taken a responsible and responsive urgent measure to nip the situation in the bud to rest and step down the disagreement which provoked the withdrawal of Senator Oluwafemi Lanlehin from coalition government.
“This is not the time to trade blame, but a period of sober consolidation of strength of the forces that terminate the reigns of the inhuman and tyrannical government of APC in Oyo State.
“We, therefore, appeal for calm among all the leaders and urge them to give peace a chance in the interest of numerous followers and general public.
“ADC hereby wishes to use this medium to appeal to His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde to forthwith continue with the lofty idea of implementation of coalition agreement on other appointments across boards (Senior Special/Assistants, Special Assistants, Executive Assistants, Boards and Parastatals, Local Governments inclusive).
“We equally appeal to the general public and teeming members of the coalescent parties to see themselves as one in this struggle and desist from heated, rhetoric and caustic accusations. ADC at this juncture, reiterates its total commitment to the coalition government in Oyo State and it equally assures everyone that it remains an integral part of the coalition government in Oyo State.”
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