Makinde Ally Quits As PDP Chairman Over Injustice And Imposition

A major political shake-up has hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State as Seun Adelore, the party chairman in Ibadan North Local Government Area and close ally of Governor Seyi Makinde, has resigned in protest.

Adelore’s decision, confirmed in a letter dated July 7, 2025, followed what he described as deep-rooted injustice, disregard for loyal members, and an erosion of democratic values within the party. His resignation has sparked concerns of internal unrest, especially as the PDP prepares for a by-election in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

Though the party is yet to release an official response, insiders say Adelore’s exit is linked to the controversial selection of Folajimi Oyekunle, Makinde’s Deputy Chief of Staff, as the party’s consensus candidate for the by-election. The selection process reportedly sidelined other aspirants, who later withdrew after a closed-door meeting with Governor Makinde.

The by-election follows the death of two-term APC lawmaker Olaide Akinremi, who passed away in July 2024. PDP sources revealed that Oyekunle’s candidacy was presented as a united front to secure victory, but critics argue that the move undermines internal democracy.

Adelore, a former chairman of the state’s Waste Management Board, said he reached his decision after wide consultations with his political base across the state. In his resignation letter, he described the PDP as being hijacked by a few individuals, reducing it to a private enterprise where loyalty is undervalued and dissent is punished.

He said the last two years have seen the rise of intimidation and imposition in party affairs, adding that the ideals that once defined the PDP have been pushed aside for personal interests. Adelore accused the party of replacing collective decision-making with authoritarian tendencies, noting that his integrity could no longer survive under such a political atmosphere.

His departure comes as a blow to the ruling party in Oyo, especially considering his grassroots influence and longtime support for the governor. While there is no clarity on Adelore’s next political move, his parting message suggests he may remain active in the state’s political space, but no longer under the PDP’s platform.

The development has triggered speculations about wider discontent within the party ranks. As of Sunday evening, attempts to reach the state party chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, were unsuccessful and no formal reaction had been issued from the PDP secretariat.

With local elections approaching and internal grievances surfacing, the resignation of a key figure like Adelore may challenge the party’s cohesion and test Governor Makinde’s leadership within the PDP ahead of 2027.