A group of former councillors who served in Oyo State between 2021 and 2024 under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has announced its resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing loss of confidence in the party, deprivation of benefits, and alleged irregularities in party processes.
The councillors, operating under the platform of the Forum of PDP Councillors (2021–2024 set), said the decision was collectively reached at a regular zonal rotational meeting held in Oyo Zone.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, its Chairman, Rt. Hon. Muili Kazeem Kolawole Arowodana of Ibadan North West Local Government, stated that the present state of the PDP has become unstable and uninspiring, posing a serious threat to the political future of loyal party faithfuls.
According to the forum, one of the major reasons for their exit is the shaken state of the party, which they said has eroded trust and confidence among members. They noted that the prevailing situation within the PDP no longer guarantees fairness, equity, or a credible future for committed stakeholders.
The former councillors also decried what they described as the deprivation of constitutional benefits and opportunities due to them as local government legislators who served between 2021 and 2024. They alleged that such entitlements have not been paid or addressed till date by the present administration.
Another key grievance raised was the alleged cheating of councillors who indicated willingness to return during the last local government elections. The forum claimed that funds were collected from aspirants for nomination purposes, but neither refunds nor compensations have been made since the elections.
Furthermore, the councillors accused the party of abnormalities and lack of transparency during the last congresses and primaries, alleging that information about party processes was poorly disseminated and that candidates were handpicked instead of emerging through constitutionally guided elections and primaries.
Other members of the forum include Hon. Sheu Waheed, Deputy Chairman (Iseyin Local Government); Hon. Adelowo Muftahudeen, Financial Secretary (Ibarapa East); Hon. Shuaib Olaide Hammed, Coordinator, Ibadan Zone (Ibadan North West); Hon. Oyekan Adedotun Bright and Hon. Julius Adegboyega Coordinators, Ogbomosho Zone; Hon. Adesoji Adejare (Atiba Local Government); Hon. Mutoleeb Salam (Irepo Local Government); Hon. Nurudeen Alowonle (Iseyin Local Government); Hon. Olasunkanmi Oluwafemi (Afijio Local Government); and Hon. Lateef Raheem Adewale (Iseyin Local Government).
As at the time of filing this report, the former PDP councillors said they are yet to announce their next political move, adding that consultations are ongoing.
