By John Dike, Osogbo
The claim that 15 members of the Osun State House Assembly have been scheduled for a training programme in the United States as a prelude to their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been faulted.
Debunking the claim, the member representing Ayedaade State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Folorunso Yemi Ogundare, described the claim, made reportedly by a federal lawmaker, Hon. Oluwole Oke, as false.
He said in a statement on Sundau that the claim was “fabricated, mischievous, and politically motivated,” warning Oke against further dissemination of what he termed deliberate falsehood.
In Ogundare’s words, “I am compelled to respond to the falsehood being circulated by Hon. Oluwole Oke, which suggests that 15 members of the Osun State House of Assembly are part of a covert plan to defect to the APC under the guise of attending a training in the United States.
“This allegation is completely baseless and a desperate attempt to stir unnecessary tension within our party. I find it disgraceful that anyone would stoop so low to spread such malicious lies in the name of politics”.
Ogundare reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and reiterated his full support for the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, whom he described as “a performing and visionary leader.”
“As the representative of Ayedaade State Constituency, I remain firmly committed to the PDP and the ideals that brought me into office. My loyalty to the party and to Governor Adeleke remains unshaken. I have no intention — now or ever — to defect to the APC or any other party,” he declared.
He urged his constituents and the general public to disregard the rumour, which he said was part of a calculated effort by the opposition to distract the government from its development agenda.
Ogundare also challenged Oke to publish the names of the lawmakers he claimed were part of the alleged trip, insisting that failure to do so further exposes the story as a politically-driven fabrication.
“Rather than peddling lies and engaging in propaganda, I advise Hon. Oke and his party to focus on rebuilding their fast-declining political relevance in the state,” he stated.
The lawmaker further assured the people of Ayedaade that he would continue to represent them with dedication, transparency, and integrity.
“I am proud to be a member of the PDP and will continue working with my colleagues to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Osun State. No amount of political distraction will deter us from our mission,” Ogundare concluded.
