Former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala has announced his decision to join the All Progressives Congress, APC.
This development, however, did not come as a surprise to many political observers because the Ogbomoso born politician has been seen almost all the time fraternizing with the leadership of APC both at the state and federal levels.
The decision to jettison his baby, Labour Party, the platform he used to contest the last governorship election in Oyo State was made after an extensive meeting with his followers and admirers at his Old Bodija, Ibadan residence on Tuesday morning.
Insiders informed PMParrotng.com that the flamboyant politician made the pronouncement after the meeting.
Said our insider source “Oga has moved to APC. He decided to do this so that he will be more relevant within the state and at the federal level. Oga also told his followers willing to remain in Labour Party or hoping to return to PDP to do so if that is their desire.
“With the situation now, you either belong to the PDP or APC. PDP is still being controlled by those people who destroyed it the other time like Secondus and Teslim Folarin. We can’t go to Accord and can no longer remain in Labour Party. Our Oga is relating directly with the national leadership of APC, not Abiola Ajimobi or APC Secretariat in the state.”
At the meeting where the decision was reached, we had the following politicians in attendance: Dr Kola Balogun, Alhaji Marafa, Dr Gbola Adetunji, Mr Lukman Agboluaje, Alhaji Laide Busari, Hon Ghandi, Hon Remi Alao and others from Ogbomosoland.
When we got Akala’s Deputy during the last election on Labour Party’s platform, Barrister Sharadeen Ali, he denied any knowledge of this move by Akala.
His words “ I am still in Labour Party. I have not had anything to do with APC. So, if Otunba Akala decides to move on, it is his decision. Not mine.”
PMParrotng.com contacted the Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Information and Strategy, Yomi Layinka, he informed us that he was yet to be briefed.
Said Layinka “APC is a large party. If Otunba Akala wishes to join us, he is welcome. The party welcomes everybody that believes in its ideologies. As we speak, we have not confirmed that he has joined APC. However, if it is true, he is welcome. APC is big enough to accommodate him.”