Published January 13, 2021
Olufemi Olaniyi , Ibadan
National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus , on Tuesday , denied allegations that he was fueling the political feud between Oyo State Governor , Seyi Makinde and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose .A former Minister of Power and Steel , Dr Wole Oyelese , had in a statement , accused Secondus of complicity in the crisis threatening the party’ s cohesion in the South -West .The former minister , who is a PDP leader in Oyo State said, “ There is hardly any state where there is amity among the members except in those areas where the leaders of the party are handling the situation with maturity.“ In this kind of situation , it is quite unimaginable that the chairman of the party will maintain such an undignified silence in the face of serious danger .“ It is daily becoming clear that the party is being torn apart by the same individual who is expected to weld it together . The issue of party organisation does not appear to have much meaning to the chairman as he appears to take special interest in encouraging factions .“ The situation we have in the South – West which appears intractable is needless and should not be allowed to fester any further . The politics of survival and assertion currently going on is not in the best interest of the party as the loyal members stand to lose out .“ With the current position of things , there is hardly any state that the PDP can be sure of winning in the South West in upcoming elections. Political neophytes and dreamers may think and say otherwise, but the reality is stark enough to the discerning ones . ”He urged Secondus and his team to “ wake up ” to their responsibility by putting an end to the “ rofo – rofo ” fight between Fayose and Makinde in the interest of the party.In response, Secondus who spoke through his Media Adviser , Ike Abonyi , described Oyelese ’ s statement as unfair . Abonyi said , “ The national chairman has remained unwavering in his search for peace anywhere there are issues in the party .“ He has demonstrated his commitment by setting up the Senator Bukola Saraki – led National Reconciliation Committee . We need the support of all stakeholders for these efforts to succeed. ”Also, the Oyo State PDP Publicity Secretary , Mr Akeem Olatunji , faulted Oyelese ’ s claims .He said, “ We do not have any problem with the national leadership and Governor Makinde . All the noise around is because of the forthcoming congress. ”