Former Minister of Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress(APC). He announced his resignation from the party in a letter addressed to the PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus on Friday.
Adedoja explained that his defection to the ruling APC at this period of Nigeria’s political dispensation is to contribute his best to the unity of Nigeria, “as dictated by my pan Nigerian experience, having built bridges of unity among various socio political groups in the country.”
“I want to align with the Federal government of Nigeria to contribute to the good governance the country deserves for our people and for my followers across the country,” he said.
The resignation of Adedoja, who contested to be the national chairman of the party in 2018 has brought to four, the number of high profile people who have resigned from the party in the South West zone. Others who have also resigned from the party are Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun state and immediate campaign Director General for Atiku Abubakar campaign organisation; Prof. Tunde Adeniran, a former member of the party’s Board of Trustees(BOT) and former Minister of Education and Sen. Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former governor of Oyo state.
Speaking on his relationship with the Oyo State governor- elect, Engr. Seyi Makinde, he stated that Makinde is his brother with whom he enjoys a cordial relationship, adding that he had congratulated him and prayed for God’s guidance for him in the task of governing Oyo State.
Meanwhile, a pro-democracy and human rights group, Inclusiveness in Governance Initiative (IGI), has praised the step taken by Adedoja, describing it as “a welcome development.”
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Steven Bola Ashalu, the group said the way PDP has been marginalising the South West in the party’s scheme of things is unacceptable and undemocratic.
According to the group, if PDP fails to put its house in order by carrying all stakeholders along and treat them equally, it should expect more resignations from other major aggrieved members of the party, stressing “such development can collapse the party if not nip in the board before it is too late.”
The group however wished him good luck in his new party just as it pledged its unflinching support for him, saying, “Adedoja we know is a born achiever and grassroots mobiliser, who will be a great asset to the APC both in the state and nationally.”
Listen to his explanation in the audio below:
Below is the content of his resignation to the party’s National Chairman:
The National Chairman,
People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
Wadata Plaza
Abuja.
RESIGNATION AS A MEMBER OF THE PARTY
I feel very fulfilled that l have contributed my best to the development of the party in various capacities. Recall that I contested for the position of National Chairman of the party at the 2017 National Convention held in Abuja with a clear vision to reposition the party. You may also recall that l challenged the outcome of the National Chairmanship election at a Federal High Court in Abuja but voluntarily withdrew the case in the interest of the Party.
My nationwide campaigns across all geo political zones of the country for the National Chairmanship position from 2016 to 2017 has further advanced my understanding of the geo-political terrains of our blessed country Nigeria. My antecedents as a Pan Nigerian will continue to bear on the unity of our country.
While thanking my various well-wishers, friends and colleagues across the country who in the cause of my academic, professional and political life in different parts of the country have provided me the needed support and encouragement, I wish to tender my resignation as a member of the party.
Sincerely,
Signed
Prof. Taoheed Adedoja
