By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A former governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Engr. Joseph Tegbe, has explained why he defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan, on Friday, Tegbe said he left the APC that brought him to limelight due to the internal crisis rocking the state chapter of the party.
Tegbe, a top contender for the APC governorship ticket in 2018, sent shock waves to the progressives fold with his defection to PDP.
He said that his defection was further fuelled by the national leadership of the party, which was allegedly supporting the minority in hijacking the party structure, contrary to the desire of the majority.
“The good people of Oyo State, many years ago, I made a commitment to always contribute to the development of our society in my God-given capacity.
“In 2018, after serving government in different non-political capacities, I offered to serve Oyo State as Governor, on the platform of the APC.
“This decision was based on my commitment to offering my wealth of experience to the entrenchment of good governance and development in our dear state,” he said.
Tegbe recounted how he stepped down in 2018 as a team player and continued to make his contribution to the party.
He said that recent developments in Oyo APC were unfortunate and worrisome.
“We watched a minority hijacking the party structure and backed by some powers at the top.
“We saw congress results, democratically agreed at Ward and Local Government levels being altered to favour this minority group.
“Efforts to make the national leadership of the party see reasons have yielded no fruits. A house divided against itself cannot stand,” Tegbe said.
He added that he resigned his membership of the APC after consideration and deliberation with the support of his groups.
(NAN)
