Ex-Ondo Deputy Governor Leaves PDP Moves Closer to Joining APC

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Otunba Omolade Oluwateru, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and one-time Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda, has formally ended his decades-long affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Oluwateru—who served alongside the late Governor Olusegun Agagu between 2003 and 2009—said he could no longer remain in the PDP due to the deepening internal conflicts that have destabilized the party.

He declared his departure during his 79th birthday celebration in Akure, noting that the persistent crisis had made it impossible for him to continue within the party structure.

A founding member of the PDP since 1998, the elder statesman expressed strong disappointment over the current state of the party. He attributed much of the disorder to actions linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which he believes have seriously weakened the party nationwide.

“I have been a PDP member from the very beginning, but with the level of crisis and the present condition of the party, I cannot remain. The roof has collapsed, and there is no shelter left,” he stated. He confirmed that he had already forwarded his resignation letter to his ward chairman.

Although he has not officially joined another political party, Ondo APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, has publicly signaled the party’s willingness to accept him into its fold.

Adetimehin described him as a “genuine progressive,” commending his consistency and loyalty to the ideals of his former boss, Governor Agagu, during their years in office.

Oluwateru hinted strongly that he may align with the APC soon but explained that his final decision would reflect the wishes of his supporters. “It is possible I will join the APC; it may or may not happen. But give me time. I am consulting my people. If you look around today, you’ll see many APC members present, as well as PDP members and others without party affiliation. I will follow the direction of my people and announce my decision to the state in about two weeks,” he said.

Adetimehin expressed confidence that Oluwateru’s entry into the APC was imminent, emphasizing that his character and credibility would add significant value to Ondo politics.

He added that Oluwateru’s move would help strengthen the party’s position both in the state and nationally, especially in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms.

Asiwaju Muyiwa Asagunla, Director General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), also commended Oluwateru’s honesty and humility. He noted that Oluwateru’s defection would be advantageous to the APC and bolster support for President Tinubu’s re-election efforts. Asagunla stated that the former deputy governor had long predicted the PDP’s decline, prompting his decision to exit.