The lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa in the House of Representatives, Shina Peller has denied dumping the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2023 general election.
Peller cleared the air in a statement released through his media aide, Kola Popoola on Sunday.
The lawmaker further stated that he remains a member of the APC until he announces his defection on his social media platforms.
The visit of Peller, who lost the Oyo North Senatorial ticket, to a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Adebisi Olopoeyan, last week triggered speculations that he had dumped the APC.
The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to an unfounded report going viral that I have defected from the All Progressives Congress to New Nigeria People’s Party. Also, while some speculate that I am now a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, some conclude I am now in Accord Party. This is nothing but a rumour and should be regarded as one by all as I remain a member of the APC until I announce otherwise via my verified social media handles.
“That I honoured Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeyan’s invitation to his house doesn’t mean I have defected to NNPP. Alhaji Olopoeyan is a family friend, and the fact that we belong to different political parties doesn’t mean I should start playing politics of bitterness with him. I am not that kind of a person and won’t turn to one for political reasons.
“It would be recalled that about a week ago, one of the chieftains of our party in Oyo State, had also alleged that I am being secretly positioned by the Peoples Democratic Party to be a running mate to Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde in the 2023 Oyo State gubernatorial race. This is also not true, and the recent announcement of Bayo Lawal as a running mate to Governor Makinde has further rendered the allegation baseless.
“That I commended Governor Makinde on a project that is beneficial to my constituents shouldn’t make one conclude that I am now a PDP member. Also, Engr. Seyi Makinde is not a governor to PDP members only, but a governor to everyone in Oyo State including myself. I haven’t defected from APC to any political party, and even if I am going to do so, that would be for the people of Oke Ogun in Oyo State to decide.”
