By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the deputy governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for All Progressives Congress (APC).
Olaniyan confirmed his defection while speaking on Fresh 109.5FM programme,‘Crossfire,’ on Sunday.
Olaniyan, who was a governorship aspirant in African Democratic Congress (ADC) during the 2019 electioneering process, was picked as deputy by Governor Seyi Makinde, following the merger of the opposition parties in the state just before the governorship election.
The deputy governor said he had no issue with Makinde, adding that anything the governor expects from him in terms of governance, he will willingly do it.
He said: “This was a joint ticket. I was promised many things, Alhamdullahi for everything. It is not about money, if it was about it, I wouldn’t have attempted to join politics. I am not uncomfortable but by being in position of power, you have the right to assist many people.
“My people have been calling. Those from Ibarapa called yesterday. The Oke Ogun are meeting in Iseyin as we speak. The people are what make me. They can’t say something and I say otherwise.
”Whatever the governor expects from me, I will do. I have been sidelined in politics, there is no problem between us. I am still loyal to him except they want to misinterpret the meaning of loyalty.”
Olaniyan’s defection confirmed the alleged strained relationship between him and his principal.
