The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Councillors of the 2021–2024 set in Oyo State have strongly refuted reports of a “mass defection” from the party, describing the publication by Rulers World TV as misleading, exaggerated and far from the true position of affairs.
Reacting to the viral report which claimed that former PDP councillors had collectively resigned from the party due to alleged marginalisation and unpaid entitlements, the councillors stated that the story did not reflect the position of the majority of their members. They emphasized that only a few individuals could be speaking for themselves and not for the entire 2021–2024 councillors’ set.
In a statement jointly issued by stakeholders and representatives of the 21/24 set, the councillors remain firmly rooted in the PDP and loyal to the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
“We wish to categorically state that there is no mass defection from the PDP by former councillors in Oyo State. Any claim suggesting otherwise is false and misleading. Those making such claims are only entitled to speak for themselves, not for the majority of us,” the statement read.
They further clarified that:
Some former councillors have returned fully to party activities and are actively participating in PDP structures.
Some are currently serving as party executives at ward, local government and state levels.
Many others remain steadfast supporters of Governor Seyi Makinde and the PDP government in Oyo State.
The councillors stressed that the PDP under Governor Makinde remains a united and progressive political family, adding that the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, education, health, road development, security and workers’ welfare have continued to strengthen grassroots support across the state.
According to them, it is misleading and politically motivated for anyone to present personal grievances as a collective decision of the entire councillors’ forum.
“We acknowledge that individuals have the right to their personal political choices, but it is dishonest to portray such personal decisions as a collective action. The PDP Councillors 21/24 set is not defecting. We are still here, stronger, united and committed to the success of Governor Seyi Makinde and the PDP,” they stated.
They also dismissed claims that all former councillors were excluded from party activities, noting that many of their members are actively involved in party congresses, campaigns, mobilisation and policy engagements.
The councillors urged the public and party supporters to disregard reports of mass defection, describing them as propaganda aimed at creating unnecessary tension and disunity within the PDP.
“We remain loyal to the PDP and to the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde. Oyo PDP is intact, stable and focused on delivering more dividends of democracy to the people of the state,” the statement concluded.
