Real reasons we left APC for ADC ― Oyo lawmaker

MEMBER representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency, Honourable Abiodun Olasupo has pointed to lack of internal democracy and disrespect for party supremacy in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State as some of the reasons why people like him dumped the APC for other parties.

Olasupo who has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) bemoaned that former members of the APC had to leave for parties which valued internal party democracy and gave credence to the voices of the majority.

Olasupo who made these assertions during a town hall meeting with constituents, at Iwere-Ile, Iwajowa Iwajowa Local Government of Oyo State, on Thursday.

He stressed that recent defections across political parties was good for democracy and would enhance good governance.

“Political participation and membership are about free entry and exit to allow participant the choice of desired political ideology and direction.

“Democracy is about the tyranny of the majority. There won’t be a strong political party when the interest of the minority overrides that of the majority.

“As long as there is no strong political party, there won’t be a stable government and without a stable government, there won’t be the much-desired development,” he said.

“When the tenet of a political party does not give power to the people to elect who leads them, then free exit is guaranteed.

“People will have to move to another party where they are warmly welcome and where internal democracy is much sacrosanct.

“We defected to ADC where we found an abode. This is an abode where party supremacy and internal democracy is highly valued. In this party, the tyranny of the majority works and the minority have their say.”

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According to Olasupo, the APC made a singular error of conducting its congresses in an election year coupled with the unconstitutional use of caretaker committees in Oyo State for seven years.

Olasupo said his ambition to seek re-election was driven by the support and aspirations of his supporters.

“When I was elected in 2015, I saw so many possibilities and made many promises. By the grace of God and the support of my people, I have delivered but not all.

“There are so many things beyond my weight as a first timer in the House of Representatives. My re-election in 2019 God willing is going to be a project of consolidation.

“I am going to consolidate on all I have done ranging from educational support, infrastructure, economic emancipation, women empowerment, securing of a job for constituents as well as physical and human development,” he said.

The lawmaker condemned the recent invasion of the National Assembly by the DSS, describing it as very sad in a democracy where the separation of powers ought to be respected.

Some of the leaders in the council like Abu Gbadamosi, Saka Kareem and Kazeem Olalekan, pledged their support for the cause of Olasupo.