👤 Danjuma Aliyu, DENISAURUS News 

Oladipupo Adebutu, a Governorship aspirant in Ogun State has denied report of his move from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

A statement from those close to the 57-year-old former lawmaker, who represented Remo/Shagamu in the lower chamber until 2019, noted that “some bloggers that lack pedigree are saying Hon Oladipupo Adebutu, a National Leader of the Peoples Democratic party in Ogun State is set to join the APC.”

Afolabi Orekoya, a Media Consultant for the Ladi Adebutu Development Organisation, said the “report lacks merit in its entirety,” and “does not worth any reaction but for the purpose of putting records straight and to assure the general public who have reposed so much trust in Hon. Adebutu that there’s no iota of truth in the report.

“We therefore advise the peddlers of these lies to desist from actions that can easily heat up the polity in Ogun State for no reason. They should use their time judiciously by opening their minds to learning and aspire to become trusted professionals.

“We state unequivocally that Hon. Ladi Adebutu is committed to the development and continued growth of the new PDP in Ogun State that is enjoying peace and unity after series of genuine reconciliation and return of members of the party that left for other parties before the last general elections but are now back home to join in rebuilding the PDP in Ogun State.”

Mr Adebutu, who was endorsed by the National Working Committee of the PDP as its Ogun Governorship candidate in the 2019 elections, was stopped by a court injunction gotten by a fellow member of his party.

The business man from Remo, who was in the lower chamber until June 2019, plans to stand again in 2023.

Those close to the former member of the House of Representatives, say that the PDP should ensure it gives the ticket to him in the next election as he has built a large following.

Mr Adebutu, is said to have remained in the state to build the party, despite losing the ticket in 2019, unlike many other politicians in his position.

The PDP remains the biggest opposition in Ogun, but infighting has lost it the chance to win elections.  There are renewed hopes that the fortunes of the party might change in the next elections, if Mr Adebutu, whose popular father is Kensington Adebutu alias Baba Ijebu, emerges as its candidate.

Ogun, where the current Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is from, will be one of the key states to watch out for in the next elections.

Mr Osinbajo, a member of the APC is said to be interested in becoming the next Commander-in-Chief, but that ambition might be dashed as it has put him against loyalist of President Muhammadu Buhari and his benefactor Bola Tinubu.

The VP who held a prominent sway in Ogun during the last elections, is no longer making frequent visits to the state. Source says he has been confined to Abuja, after loosing most of his portfolio.

The APC in Ogun recently received members of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM back into its fold.

The APM’s governorship candidate Adekunle Akinlade got a lot of support from the previous APC Governor, who refused to support his successor Dapo Abiodun.

Consequently. Ibikunle Amosun, now a serving Senator was suspended from the APC.

But this month, Senator Amoun’s suspension was lifted. Many members of the APM have since returned to the APC.

All the Federal Government appointment for the state of Ogun was given to allies of Senator Amosun. The VP and Governor Abiodun were unable to influence any FG appointment for their own followers in the state.

APC insiders who spoke to DENISAURUS News, say the APM will work against Governor Abiodun, who was recently lambasted for his “disappointing” first six month in office.