Ogun Deputy Speaker distances self from ex-aide’s defection to PDP

The Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Bolanle Ajayi, has distanced herself from the defection of her former Personal Assistant, Adekunle Ridwan Adesola, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the move as a personal decision.

Ajayi, who represents Yewa South State Constituency, said in a statement on Tuesday that her former aide neither consulted nor informed her before leaving the ruling party.

She said attempts to link Adesola’s defection to her political stance were unfounded and should be disregarded.

“The decision of the said former Personal Assistant to leave the APC for the PDP was taken entirely on his own, without my knowledge, consultation, consent, approval or endorsement,” she said.

According to the Deputy Speaker, Adesola exercised his constitutional right to freedom of political association, but his decision should not be interpreted as reflecting her political position or that of her supporters.

Ajayi reaffirmed her loyalty to the APC, saying her commitment to the party and its ideals remained unwavering.

She also reiterated her support for the Ogun West governorship aspiration and pledged continued backing for Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“I remain committed to the aspirations of Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as the APC governorship candidate and, by God’s grace, our incoming governor, with the support of Governor Dapo Abiodun and other stakeholders,” she said.

The Deputy Speaker urged party members, supporters and the public to ignore what she described as rumours and misinformation suggesting that her former aide’s defection signalled a change in her political allegiance.

She maintained that she would continue to work for the progress of the APC and the development of Ogun State while supporting the party’s efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.