Despite being part of the new PDP team that sealed merger agreement with the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, former Governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola says he remains the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
It will be recalled that Court of Appeal recently reinstated Oyinlola has the duly elected National Secretary of the ruling party. But, rather than complying with the court’s directive, the National Working Committee (NWC) presided over by Bamanga Tukur announced the indefinite suspension of Oyinlola alongside Abubakar Baraje, Sam Sam Jaja and Ibrahim Kazaure.
A statement issued in Abuja by Oyinlola’s Principal Secretary, Femi Adelegan, says that the former Governor would continue to lay claim to his legal status as the scribe of the party.
Adelegan states that “Following several inquiries from various quarters, particularly from well meaning political associates, friends and well-wishers, it has become necessary to clarify the position of things as they concern Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola on the current political terrain in the country..
“Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola remains the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party and will continue to lay claim to his legal and valid status as the National Secretary of the party’.
He also states that “Oyinlola’s purported suspension does not invalidate his substantive position and PDP national secretary and that the former Osun state governor is resolutely committed to 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.
“Oyinlola is 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”.
I remain PDP National Secretary – Oyinlola
