Oyo deputy governor, Olaniyan defects to APC

Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He announced his defection on Sunday during a chat with newsmen in his private office at Ojoo, Ibadan.

The deputy governor said that he took the decision after consultations with his supporters from across the state.

Olaniyan who described politics as free entry and free exit added that all his political supporters prevailed on him to join the APC.

He, however, said the defection didn’t affect his position as the deputy governor of the state, saying he had not resigned.

The deputy governor was originally a member of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC).

He was picked by Governor Seyi Makinde as his running mate for the 2019 governorship election after an alliance between the PDP and ADC to push out the then ruling APC.

Makinde and Olaniyan have been at loggerheads for some time now after the deputy governor accused his boss of marginalizing him in running the state.

Makinde only few days ago dumped Olaniyan as his running mate for the 2023 governorship election. He instead picked a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Bayo Lawal to run with him.

Both Olaniyan and Lawal are from Oke Ogun area of Oyo State.

Although, the deputy governor said his defection won’t affect his position, he may be forced to resign or face impeachment from members of the state House of Assembly.

Efforts had been made in the past to impeach him.

Meanwhile, APC governorship candidate in the state, Senator Teslim Folarin has described Olaniyan’s defection as a good omen for the party.