The Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolanle Ajayi, has reaffirmed her loyalty to the All Progressives Congress, distancing herself from the defection of her former Personal Assistant, Mr. Adekunle Ridwan Adesola, to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Ajayi made the clarification in a statement signed by her and made available to journalists on Tuesday, saying the former aide’s decision was entirely personal and should not be linked to her political ideology or affiliation.
The lawmaker, who represents Yewa South State Constituency, said Adesola defected to the PDP without her knowledge, consultation, consent or approval, stressing that his action did not reflect her political position or that of her supporters.
She said, “For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state categorically that the decision of the said Personal Assistant to leave the APC for the PDP was taken entirely on his own, as a full grown adult without my knowledge, consultation, consent, approval, or endorsement.”
Ajayi acknowledged that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freedom of political association but maintained that the former aide’s decision remained a personal one.
“No doubt, his action is purely his personal decision, constitutional right to freedom of political association. Therefore, this decision should not, under any circumstance, be construed as reflecting my political position or that of my supporters,” she said.
The Deputy Speaker reaffirmed her commitment to the APC and declared that she remained a committed supporter of the Ogun West governorship agenda and the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
She said, “My political commitment and loyalty remain unwavering. I will continue to stand firmly with the ideals and aspirations of the All Progressives Congress and remain a committed stakeholder, believer and active advocate of the Ogun West Governorship Project.”
Ajayi also urged party members, supporters and the public to ignore speculations suggesting that the former aide’s defection signalled a shift in her political allegiance.
“I therefore urge the general public, especially my political associates, APC party faithful, my esteemed supporters and the media to disregard any unfounded rumour, insinuation, speculation or misinformation linking the personal decision of the said former Personal Assistant to my political career, principles or future political engagements,” she added.
She further pledged to work within the provisions of the law to ensure the electoral success of the APC in the 2027 general election.
“I remain committed to the aspirations of Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as the APC governorship candidate and shall do everything within the ambit of existing electoral rules and regulations to ensure that Senator Olamilekan Adeola emerges victorious in the forthcoming 2027 General Election,” Ajayi said.
