*says he didn’t resign position
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo State Deputy Governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan on Sunday confirmed his defection from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The deputy governor while speaking on a Fresh FM 105.9, Ibadan phone-in programme, disclosed that he is no longer a member of PDP and has joined the APC.
Engineer Olaniyan maintained that his decision to defect from the PDP to APC was part of his political freedom as there “is free entry and free exit ” in Nigeria politics .
“It is confirmed that I have left PDP for APC. You are hearing it from the horses mouth now. There is free entry and free exit in Nigeria politics. I am only quitting PDP for APC , not that I am resigning from my position as the Oyo State Deputy Governor “, he said.
Engineer Olaniyan added, ” my mandate as deputy governor is for 4 years. I am not resigning, I am still the deputy governor of Oyo State”.
Speaking earlier on his defection before the FM 105.9 programme, the deputy governor said he had no issue with Governor Seyi Makinde and that anything the governor expects from him in terms of governance, he will willingly do it.
”This was a joint ticket. I was promised many things. Alhamdulilah for everything. It is not about money. If it was about it, I wouldn’t have attempted to join politics. I am not uncomfortable but by being in position of power, you have the right to assist many people”.
The deputy governor stressed, ” my people have been calling. Those from Ibarapa called yesterday. The Okeogun are meeting in Iseyin as we speak. The people are what make me. They can’t say something and I say otherwise.”
Engineer Olaniyan emphasized that ” whatever the governor expects from me, I will do. I have been sidelined in politics and in politics. So there is no problem with us. I am still loyal to him except they want to misinterpret the meaning of loyalty”.
