I remain in PDP, but let’s unite for Ogun ― Kashamu

The lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu, has denied the rumour that he has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement issued on Sunday, Kashamu, who was the PDP governorship candidate in the 2019 general election, said since elections had been won and lost, all the citizens of Ogun State must unite to support the leadership of the state for the benefit of all.

According to him, “There have been insinuations in various quarters about my political stance and future. Let me state in unequivocal terms that when I joined active politics over a decade ago, it was on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I have remained in the PDP. I have not defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and I do not intend to do so.”

The statement reads further, “However, the elections are over and winners have emerged. As a true Muslim, I believe the emergence of any leader is divinely-ordained. Therefore, my position has always been that whenever there is a contest and a winner emerges, we all owe it a duty to God and our people to support the leader to succeed, if our primary motive for seeking public office is to serve the people.”

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He said following the emergence of Prince Dapo Abiodun as the Governor-elect of Ogun State, he has become the leader of the state, adding “We, as stakeholders, leaders, and followers, have a duty to support him and make him succeed. Any attempt to pull him down or distract him will not augur well for our dear state. Indeed, it will be tantamount to pulling back our own state.”

Kashamu also said, “Upon his emergence, Prince Abiodun, like a true democrat, extended a hand of fellowship to all well-meaning sons and daughters of Ogun State, irrespective of party affiliations and leanings. It is in this context that some of our members were invited to join the Transition Committee and its subgroups. That does not mean they have joined the APC. It is a call to the service of our dear state. Now is the time for governance.

“When an election comes, everyone will bear his father’s name. In fact, that is when we, as stakeholders, leaders, and followers, will be justified to juxtapose the achievements with the kind of support that we gave.”

The lawmaker then called on all well-meaning citizens of the state to “rise above personal interests and prejudices and join hands with the incoming administration to deliver good governance to our people and collectively take Ogun State to greater heights.”