• Set to join APC

A former deputy governor of Ondo State, Amb. Omolade Oluwateru, has resigned from the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Oluwateru, who served as deputy governor to the late Dr Olusegun Agagu, announced his resignation yesterday during the celebration of his 79th birthday organised by the Asiwaju Mandate Group in Akure.

The former Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda said his decision to quit the opposition party was informed by the “lingering leadership crisis” rocking PDP at the national and state levels, which he described as lack of direction, foresight and internal cohesion.

Oluwateru, who served as deputy governor between 2003 and 2007 and was a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of worsening internal crisis in the party.

“I am not leaving politics completely; I am only leaving the PDP. In another one or two weeks, I will let Nigerians know where I am heading politically.

“The problem in the PDP has become so serious that it is no longer manageable. Nyesom Wike has reduced the PDP to nothing, and as a responsible person, I cannot continue in the party.

“I have been in the PDP since 1998. I have never left before, but when the roof of a house is completely blown off, only a few people will remain inside. I have written my resignation letter and submitted it to my ward chairman,” he said.

Reacting, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, described Oluwateru as a man of integrity and a valuable addition to the progressive family and party in the state.

Although the former deputy governor did not formally announce his defection to the APC, Adetimehin, an engineer, expressed confidence that he would join the ruling party.

“Oluwateru is a man of principles and integrity. He is an ‘Omoluabi’ in the true sense of the word and will add great value to the APC in Ondo State.

“He was the only deputy governor who never rocked the boat. His loyalty to the late Dr Agagu speaks volumes. For him to take this decision today shows he believes in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the direction the country is heading,” Adetimehin said.

The Director-General of Asiwaju Mandate Group, Mr Muyiwa Asagunla, congratulated Oluwateru on behalf of the group and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing him as humble, loyal and diligent.