By Nurudeen Alimi
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state, Elder Wole Oyelese on Friday disclosed that he was not in discussion with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
He explained that as preparations for the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the state are in top gear, there are campaigns, plans and strategies being mapped out by various parties and their candidates to ensure that they carry the day in the elections.
For this reason different stories and opinions are circulating in the media, which needs clarification in some areas.
Elder Oyelese affirmed that at no time did he hold any meeting with any political party or group for the purpose of the forthcoming elections or any other issue for that matter.
He noted that he was not involved in the much publicised meeting between some PDP members and the APC candidate Sen Teslim Folarin.
“Our observations have revealed that as the election day draws near, visitations and consuitations have been on the increase across party lines by the gladiators. One of such visitations being widely circulated and discussed on the media space is the courtesy visit to the Ikolaba residence of Elder Oyelese by the APC governorship candidate Senator Teslim Folarin”.
In his reaction to speculations generated by the visit , Elder Oyelese pointed out that there was nothing strange or unusual about the visit, however quickly dispelled rumours of his involvement with any political party or group in a coalition against the PDP.
Describing himself as a true party man and one of the founding fathers of the PDP in Oyo state, the former Minister described the story as the figment of the writer’s imagination.
He further stated that it is not in his character to pull down a house he has helped in building, noting that he fully understands the implications of such an action of working against ones political party.
Elder Oyelese advised the offending tabloids to desist from circulating unfounded rumours and find other means of selling their materials.
The former Minister stated that Sen. Teslim Kolawole Folarin is his brother and political son, and for this reason, he had to attend to the surprise visit by the August visitor who is always welcome in his house any day.
The Elder-statesman, while emphasising his commitment to the PDP, he stated that his relationship with the PDP “is like that of a nursing mother to her child and that it would be wrong for him to work against a party he helped to nurture to maturity in Oyo state”.
The former Minister emphasised that despite the differences that may exist between individual members of the party, the overall survival of the PDP and electoral victory of her candidates in the 18th March election is paramount in his heart.
He therefore called on all well meaning members of the party to close ranks and ensure that what happened on the 25th February does not repeat itself. Describing the PDP as the best thing to happen to Oyo state, he said this status must be maintained for years to come.
Elder Oyelese challenged all leaders of the party in the state to ensure that they deliver their respective wards and Local governments to the PDP.