Kabiru Turaki, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), indicated that the party has not formally heard from Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State about his decision to leave.
Adeleke announced on Tuesday that he was withdrawing from the PDP because of the ongoing conflict within the party structure.
Following the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja, Turaki informed journalists that Adeleke has the constitutional right to either stay in or exit the party.
Turaki clarified that the PDP learned about Adeleke’s departure only through media reports and an online letter, and has not yet received an official notice from the governor.
The factional chairman noted that Adeleke’s name is still recorded among candidates competing for the Osun governorship nomination.
He added that the PDP will rely on reports from primary election officials to confirm if the governor has formally backed out or is still participating.
Turaki stressed that the PDP’s genuine strength resides in its supportive members rather than in elected officials who choose to resign.
He maintained that the defection of governors in certain states has not significantly weakened the party’s support at the local level.
Turaki confirmed that the NWC reviewed and gave its approval to the congresses held in Osun for the selection of ad hoc delegates.
He also mentioned that preparations for the local government elections in Anambra were assessed, with the party expressing confidence in a good outcome.
Turaki further stated that former PDP governors nominated for non-career ambassadorial positions by President Bola Tinubu have not yet informed the party.
On the deteriorating security situation, Turaki urged the federal government to promptly re-evaluate Nigeria’s security framework.
He criticized the practice of calling governors chief security officers when they have no real authority over security operations in their states.
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