The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Seun Adelore, has resigned from his position and withdrawn his membership from the party, citing widespread injustice and a departure from democratic ideals.
Adelore, a known loyalist of Governor Seyi Makinde, announced his resignation in a letter obtained on Sunday.
In the letter, Adelore decried what he called the hijacking of the PDP by select factions in the state, likening its current structure to a private enterprise.
“The PDP in this state is increasingly being run like a private enterprise by select factions, undermining the collective spirit and transparency that should define party politics,” he said.
Party insiders disclosed that Adelore’s exit was triggered by the recent selection of Governor Makinde’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Folajimi Oyekunle, as the consensus candidate for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election. Other aspirants reportedly stepped down after a high-level meeting with the governor.
The by-election follows the death of Olaide Akinremi, a two-term House of Representatives member under the All Progressives Congress (APC), who passed away on July 10, 2024, after a brief illness in Abuja.
Adelore said his resignation was the result of wide consultations with his political base and a firm commitment to integrity and democratic principles.
“This decision was not made lightly. After deep personal reflection and wide consultation with my supporters, I have chosen to step aside in order to preserve my integrity and honour,” he stated in his resignation letter dated July 7, 2025.
The former chairman, who once headed the state’s Waste Management Board, criticized what he described as an erosion of core party values and a growing culture of imposition and intolerance.
“Despite my significant contributions to the party since 2018 alongside other loyal members, which contributed to the success of the current administration, I have watched with deep concern as values have deteriorated within the party.
“Vindictiveness, authoritarian tendencies, and a lack of respect for human dignity have unfortunately become pervasive. As Niccolò Machiavelli observed, despots often mask cruelty with gestures of charity, while trampling those who helped bring them to power. This pattern has become evident in the state, where loyalty is often punished rather than appreciated.”
He further stated, “Over the past two years, I have witnessed a growing trend of imposition, intimidation, and disregard for democratic processes—practices that conflict with the foundational principles of the PDP. I can no longer lend my name and reputation to such contradictions.”
Expressing appreciation to his supporters, Adelore reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values and state development.
“I am deeply grateful to my supporters, whose unwavering belief in my leadership has been humbling. It has been an honour to serve the party and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state.
“I remain firmly committed to the ideals of true democracy and the genuine development of our state, not superficial accomplishments promoted by surrogates.”
As of press time, the Oyo State PDP leadership had not issued any formal response, and efforts to reach the state chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, were unsuccessful.
