Disregard My Purported Defection, I’m Still In APC – Ayofe, Oyetola’s Loyalist
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ede, Osun State, Mr. Tunde Ayofe, has denied his reported defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ayofe, a loyalist of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, said he remained in the APC, urging members of the public to disregard the report on his purported defection.
The social media had been awash with a picture showing Ayofe and some stalwarts of the PDP. The picture was captioned: “Tunde Ayofe, one of Oyetola’s staunch loyalists finally joins PDP.”
However, OSUN DEFENDER reached out to Ayofe to confirm his purported defection on Monday.
Speaking with the medium, Ayofe said: “I am still in APC.”
Ayofe said while he is still a member of APC, he is, however, no longer interested in any combative political activities in favour or against anybody.
“I cannot continue to inherit another person’s enemy because of politics”, he declared.
He disclosed that the picture being circulated on social media as that of his purported defection was taken with his friends who are members of the PDP.
According to Ayofe, he agreed to take the picture with the PDP stalwarts as a result of his resolve to play politics in a new way.
He said: “I didn’t defect to PDP; I am still in APC. But I am taking up a new way in politics. I can’t continue to attack people who are good to me. I don’t want to inherit anybody’s enemy again. I am no longer interested in any caucus, group, or faction in the APC. It isn’t worth it.
“The people in the picture on social media are my childhood friends. I had avoided these people for the past six years because of my party.
“Before we took the picture, my people told me that I was too rigid with the way I was playing politics. They cited the example of Wike who is a member of PDP but serving under President Tinubu. They encouraged me to soften my heart and play politics with maturity. Then I decided to take the picture with them.
“I have decided not to create or have any enmity again in politics. I am having a new way to politics, I am still a member of APC.”
Ismaeel Uthman is an Editor, Media Consultant with over 14 years experience in print journalism.
A consummate writer and reporter, Uthman has received accolades for his works, especially one that appeals for good governance and community development. He is a recipient of many laurels, including the Best Investigative Reporter (Print) Award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, in 2020.
