‘Five Political Party Wooing Me with their Ticket’- Oyo deputy governor Olaniyan breaks silence

*Says he remains a bonafide member of PDP

From Ogundele Olanrewaju

Oyo State Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan has said why people will always spread rumour of his defection is because he had stayed off in the activities of the Party where he is not invited.

This is as he also confirmed that no fewer than five political parties are wooing him in the state, four of whom he said are ready to offer him their governorship ticket to contest the 2023 election.

But, apparently reacting to the widespread social media report of his defection from the ruling PDP, Olaniyan said he still remains the state deputy governor with a 4 year mandate and a bonafide member of the PDP.

Olaniyan, who pride himself as a good Muslim said he had always told anyone who cares to listen that he will not do anything about his political career without the approval or leading from the Almighty Allah.

Olaniyan said “You are not suppose to guess because on sallah day I told the people the truth from my heart. I am a Muslim, let Almighty Allah determine your movement. So, if Allah says, wait in PDP, I’ll wait, if He says I should go to APC or any other Party,or if he say I should stay away from politics, I will stat away. I am not looking for what to eat or drink, but to serve. Let’s just wait for Almighty God to speak and we will know what to do.

“Why the speculations is always coming up is because I have decided to stay aloof, all through the nominations and so, I haven’t bought any nomination form and I didn’t participate in it.

“I hold no grudge against anyone and I am not fighting anyone on anything. I was elected as the Deputy Governor and constitutionally, I can only do whatever the Governor assigned me to do. I am not having issues with anyone and I am not fighting anybody on anything.

“You can claim some people are not important specifically, but let’s wait and see. But, like I have been telling people, I am still a bonafide member of the PDP as at now and 24hours is a long time in politics. Anything can happen anytime. But, as I speak, I am a member of the PDP and that is how it is.”

When asked on the rumour of being courted by some parties in the state, Olaniyan said “About five parties are wooing me with their ticket. Four of them are wooing me with governorship ticket.

“I have paid my dues in so many parties. I was part of the founding members of ADC in Oyo state. The parties all offered me tickets but I have told them to allow God to speak. To be the governor is not my headache.

“I may not have money but I have two things. I have my omoluabi ethos and I have people who cherish omoluabi. In Yorubaland, if you say money and integrity, we place premium more on integrity more than money.

“I did not confirm to you that I have joined another party or left the PDP because I haven’t actually. That is my party and that is where I still belong.”

On his non participation in the politicking and endorsements of candidates by the state chapter of the party he said “Because if they are doing things and I am not involved, should I pretend that I am? No.

“But, that does not mean I am fighting anyone or anybody. God is there for us all and he will surely lead us aright.”

While reacting to the meeting between the governor and members of the state house of Assembly which held on Tuesday at the governor’s office, Olaniyan cautioned naysayers not to be speculative noting that, the governor has the right to meet with the lawmakers anytime and on any issue.

“The governor of the state has the right to meet the state lawmakers for the state to move forward. There are more burning issues that they have to be discussing. What is wrong with the governor meeting the members of the state house of assembly? People are just speculating what is not, please don’t join them to make any issue out of noting. I also know that the governor has a right to meet the house of assembly members.”