…Says move driven by prolonged crisis, not financial inducement
…Assembly now fully APC-controlled as opposition collapses
ABEOKUTA — A former Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, has defended his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his former party as a “burning house” plagued by persistent internal crises.
Adeleye, who represents Odogbolu State Constituency, said remaining in the PDP would have amounted to “political suicide,” citing years of factional disputes, litigations, and leadership uncertainty.
Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Monday, the lawmaker said his decision, alongside other former PDP legislators, followed extensive consultations and a collective resolution by members of the minority caucus.
“I have come to APC to escape the burning house so that I don’t get consumed. If a house is on fire and you escape for survival, that is not a sin. Political survival is part of democracy,” he said.
He alleged that the PDP had lost direction, claiming that internal divisions and external influences had made it difficult for members to pursue their political aspirations.
Cites Prolonged Crisis in PDP
Adeleye said the PDP had been engulfed in crises since 2019, including leadership tussles, court cases, and unresolved disputes that weakened the party’s structure.
According to him, repeated litigations and adverse court rulings further destabilised the party, making it increasingly unattractive to members.
“We went through litigations up to the Supreme Court and even after the 2023 elections, the crisis persisted. At some point, it became clear the party was no longer stable,” he stated.
He also pointed to conflicting political alignments within the PDP at the national level, which he said created uncertainty about the party’s future.
‘Ideology Weak in Nigerian Politics’
The lawmaker argued that ideology remains largely underdeveloped in Nigeria’s political system, with parties functioning more as platforms for political survival.
He said the decision to join the ruling APC was based on “political reality” and the need to remain relevant and effective.
“Our democracy is still evolving. We have not reached the stage where ideology is clearly defined. Aligning with the ruling party became the most viable option,” he added.
Denies Financial Inducement
Adeleye dismissed claims that his defection was financially motivated, describing such allegations as “cheap propaganda.”
“I did not receive a kobo. This decision has nothing to do with money. It is about political realities and the need to remain relevant,” he said.
APC Takes Full Control of Assembly
With the latest defections, the Ogun State House of Assembly is now entirely controlled by the APC, with all 26 lawmakers belonging to the ruling party.
The development marks the collapse of opposition presence in the legislature, raising concerns about checks and balances.
However, Adeleye insisted that legislative oversight would not be compromised.
“The Assembly is not an appendage of the executive. We will continue to ensure checks and balances regardless of party affiliation,” he said.
From Multi-Party to One-Party Legislature
The Assembly, which began the current term in 2023 with 17 APC and nine PDP members, has now transitioned into a one-party legislature following a wave of defections.
Political observers say the absence of opposition lawmakers could weaken legislative scrutiny, though some argue it may enhance policy coordination.
Grassroots Support Behind Defection
Adeleye maintained that his mandate remains intact, stressing that his political strength is rooted in grassroots support rather than party affiliation.
He said the decision to defect was taken after consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders in his constituency.
“This is a people-driven decision. My mandate comes from the people, not the party,” he said, adding that the move would enable him to deliver more effectively on his responsibilities.
