Oyo Deputy Governor, Olaniyan Breaks Silence On Defection Speculation

Things definitely may not be moving in the right direction for the Engr. Seyi Makinde led administration in Oyo State as his Deputy, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan has conspicuously be missing in state activities.

Those in the know hinted that a cold war is brewing between the Governor and Olaniyan over the latter’s sudden popularity In Oke Ogun axis area of the state, where he hails from.

Sources also confirmed that Engr. Olaniyan is interested in contesting for the number one seat in the state .

Olaniyan has however, said that people will always spread rumour of his defection because he has been avoiding the activities of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he is not invited.

This is as he also confirmed that not less than five political parties are wooing him in the state, four of whom he said are ready to offer him their governorship tickets in the 2023 elections.

But, apparently reacting to the widespread social media report of his defection from the ruling PDP, Olaniyan said that he still remains the state deputy governor with a four-year mandate and a bonafide member of the party.

Olaniyan said he always told anyone, who cared to listen that he will not do anything about his political career without the approval or leading of the Almighty Allah as a true Muslim.

Olaniyan said “You are not supposed to guess because on Sallah day, I told the people the truth from my heart.

“I am a Muslim, let Almighty Allah determine your movement. So, if Allah says, wait in the PDP, I’ll wait, if He says I should go to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other place or if he says I should stay away from politics, I will stay away.

“I am not looking for what to eat or drink, but I want to serve. Let’s just wait for Almighty God to speak and we will know what to do.

“People are spreading the speculations because I have decided to stay aloof. I haven’t bought any nomination form and I didn’t participate in the whole process.

“I am not fighting anyone on anything. I was elected as the Deputy Governor and constitutionally, I can only do whatever the Governor assigns me to do. I am not having issues with anybody and I am not fighting anybody on anything.

“You can claim some people are not important specifically, but let’s wait and see. But, like I have been telling people, I am still a bonafide member of the PDP as at now and 24hours is a long time in politics. Anything can happen anytime. But, as I speak, I am a member of the PDP and that is how it is.”

-Kunle Bakare.