Makinde Ally Steps Down as PDP Chairman in Protest

Ibadan North PDP Chair Quits Over Alleged Injustice, Factional Control

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Seun Adelore, has officially resigned from the party, citing deep-rooted grievances.

Adelore, a known loyalist of Governor Seyi Makinde, in his resignation letter obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, pointed to “deep-seated injustice,” a lack of appreciation for loyalty, and what he described as a “growing drift from democratic ideals” within the party.

He further accused powerful factions of hijacking the party structure and running it as a private affair in the state.

Party insiders revealed to Dailynewsnigeria. that Adelore’s exit may be linked to the alleged imposition of Folajimi Oyekunle, Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, as the consensus PDP candidate for the upcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.

The development came after other aspirants stepped down and pledged their full support to Oyekunle’s candidacy.

It was further gathered that the consensus arrangement was reached at a high-level meeting with Makinde and the aspirants vying for the party ticket.

Dailynewsnigeria reports that a two-term member of the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress, Olaide Akinremi, died at the age of 51 on July 10, 2024, in Abuja after a brief illness.

Adelore said his resignation came after wide-ranging consultations with his political allies across the state, adding that the move was driven by his commitment to integrity and democratic principles.

“The PDP in Oyo State is steadily transforming into a private enterprise controlled by a few factions,” he stated. “This undermines the collective spirit and transparency that are supposed to define genuine party politics.”

The former Chairman of the Oyo State Waste Management Board decried what he described as the erosion of party values and a growing atmosphere of intolerance and imposition.

In his resignation letter, dated July 7, 2025, Adelore wrote, “I write to formally tender my resignation as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ibadan North Local Government. I also hereby withdraw my membership from the party.”

He described the decision as a difficult one, reached after careful reflection and wide consultations with his political base.

“Despite my active role and unwavering commitment to the PDP since 2018—which significantly contributed to the success of the present administration—I have watched, with increasing concern, the deterioration of core values within the party,” he said.

He further lamented the rise of vindictiveness and authoritarian tendencies, noting, “As Niccolò Machiavelli once warned, despots often disguise cruelty with acts of charity, trampling those who helped elevate them. This unfortunate pattern has become all too familiar in the state, where loyalty is frequently punished instead of rewarded.”

Adelore continued in his resignation letter, stating, “Over the past two years, I have observed an alarming rise in imposition, intimidation, and a blatant disregard for democratic norms—practices that run counter to the core principles upon which the PDP was built. I can no longer allow my name and reputation to be associated with such contradictions.”

He expressed appreciation to his supporters, describing their trust as deeply humbling. “It has been a privilege to serve the party and contribute meaningfully to the progress of our state,” he noted.

Reaffirming his commitment to democratic ideals, Adelore added, “My allegiance remains with the pursuit of genuine development and democracy—not hollow achievements paraded by political surrogates.”

As of press time, the PDP state secretariat had yet to issue an official response, while efforts to reach the state party chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, proved unsuccessful.