In a significant political move in Osogbo, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke declared the People Democratic Party (PDP) as a genuine community, devoid of fictitious memberships. His statement was a direct response to allegations implying that political parties, including his own, might have inflated their membership counts. This speech came during a crucial meeting with PDP stakeholders, aimed at strengthening party integrity ahead of upcoming challenges.
Ensuring Integrity in Membership
Amidst a politically charged atmosphere, Governor Adeleke addressed a gathering of party faithfuls, emphasizing the need for transparency and authenticity in the PDP’s membership records. His remarks followed recent disclosures by APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who cast doubt on the APC’s claimed membership of 45 million by revealing it as a potentially fabricated number not reflected in actual voter turnout in the previous elections.
Governor Adeleke seized the moment to differentiate the PDP from its rivals by underscoring the commitment to honest practices. “It is imperative that our party distances itself from the shadows of doubt cast by our counterparts,” Adeleke stated. He outlined a plan to overhaul the membership registration process in line with the national directive, ensuring that every registered member is a verifiable individual, not just a number on paper.
Building a United Front
In his speech, Governor Adeleke also focused on fostering unity and solidarity among party members. He stressed the importance of cohesion and mutual respect in achieving political goals and delivering on promises to the electorate. “We are not just a party; we are a family of progressive thinkers committed to the welfare of every Osun citizen,” he articulated.
The governor’s initiative to update the party’s register is not just a procedural necessity but a strategic move to bolster confidence among the party ranks and the public. By ensuring that the PDP’s membership is legitimate and transparent, Adeleke is setting a new standard for political accountability in Nigeria.
A Commitment to Democratic Values
Governor Adeleke concluded his address with a strong message of dedication to democratic principles, promising to uphold the integrity of the party as a reflection of its members’ genuine support. He called on all party leaders and members to participate actively in the upcoming registration exercise, which he described as crucial to the party’s future success.
As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, the PDP in Osun State, under Adeleke’s leadership, appears to be taking significant steps towards reforming its operations and restoring faith in its commitment to the people. This development could have far-reaching implications for the party’s performance in future elections and its role in Nigerian politics.
Source: Punch
