The Oyo State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Olayinka Olona, has dismissed as mere speculation the insinuation that Governor Seyi Makinde is planning to defect to the party.
Speaking in a telephone interview with WesternLifeNewsNG, Mr Olona said there has been no official communication from the governor regarding such a move, stressing that until Makinde publicly declares his intention to join the ADC, the claim remains a rumour.
According to him, even if discussions were ongoing at the national level, due process would still require the governor to formally approach the party structure in Oyo State.
“Until Governor Makinde personally declares his intention to join the ADC, it remains a rumour. And even if there are conversations at the national level, the leadership will naturally direct him to the state chapter,” Mr Olona said.
He, however, maintained that the party remains open to new entrants, including the governor.
“Our party operates an open-door policy. It is free entry and free exit,” he added.
On membership registration, the state chairman disclosed that the exercise would soon commence in earnest across Oyo State.
He recalled that the national leadership of the party recently launched its membership drive in Abuja, adding that state chapters across the country have been directed to begin registration at the grassroots level in all local government areas.
Olona expressed confidence that the exercise would further strengthen the party’s structure in Oyo State ahead of future political activities.
