A former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru, has resigned from the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Oluwateru, who served as deputy governor to the late Dr Olusegun Agagu, announced his resignation on Thursday during the celebration of his 79th birthday organised by the Asiwaju Mandate Group in Akure, the state capital.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda said his decision to quit the opposition party was informed by the “lingering leadership crisis” rocking the PDP at both the national and state levels, which he described as a lack of direction, foresight, and internal cohesion.
Oluwateru, who served as deputy governor between 2003 and 2007 and was a former member of the PDP Board of Trustees, specifically accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of worsening the internal crisis within the party.
“I am not leaving politics completely; I am only leaving the PDP. In another one or two weeks, I will let Nigerians know where I am heading politically.
“The problem in the PDP has become so serious that it is no longer manageable. Nyesom Wike has reduced the PDP to nothing, and as a responsible person, I cannot continue in the party.
“I have been in the PDP since 1998. I have never left before, but when the roof of a house is completely blown off, only a few people will remain inside. I have written my resignation letter and submitted it to my ward chairman,” he said.
Reacting, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Engr Ade Adetimehin, described Oluwateru as a man of integrity and a valuable addition to the progressive family and party in the state.
Although the former deputy governor did not formally announce his defection to the APC, Adetimehin expressed confidence that he would join the ruling party.
“Oluwateru is a man of principles and integrity. He is an Omoluabi in the true sense of the word and will add great value to the APC in Ondo state.
“He was the only deputy governor who never rocked the boat. His loyalty to the late Dr Olusegun Agagu speaks volumes. For him to take this decision today shows that he believes in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the direction the country is heading,” Adetimehin said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, Mr Muyiwa Asagunla, congratulated Oluwateru on behalf of the group and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing him as humble, loyal, and diligent.
Asagunla said the former deputy governor’s life and political career were worthy of emulation, adding that his decision to join the opposition PDP signalled a major collapse in the crisis-ridden party.
“He was twice awarded the most diligent deputy governor during the Agagu administration, with the last award presented by a former acting president.
“He is loyal, humble, and peaceful. There was never any rancour between him and Governor Agagu throughout their tenure. Even at 79, he remains very agile. His decision today marks a significant political shift after staying with the PDP since its formation in 1998,” he said.
Asagunla, however, added that Oluwateru’s exit from the PDP signalled a major blow to the opposition party in Ondo State.
The group later presented gifts to the celebrant on behalf of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, as well as a separate gift from the Minister of Interior, in appreciation of his contributions to public service.
Sources who spoke to the Nation under the condition of anonymity said the decision by Ambassador Oluwateru to leave the PDP is to clear the way for his official defection to the ruling APC in the state.
“His decision to quit PDP is to join his ally and supporters who have all moved to the APC. So, very soon, he would announce his major defection to the ruling APC,” one of the sources said.
The event was attended by leaders and stakeholders of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, including Barrister Corporal Nana Opri, State Secretary; Barrister Ade Pelemo, Director of Legal Matters; and Engineer Babatunde Gbalajobi, Director of Special Duties, among others.
Also present were notable political figures, including Chief Segun Adegoke, a former APC state chairman; Hon Saka Yusuf, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development; and Mrs Olubunmi Ademosun, former Special Adviser to late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Public and Intergovernmental Relations.
(Nation)