The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally acknowledged the resignation of Hon. Abdulkabir Akinlade, its former deputy governorship candidate, dismissing his departure as inconsequential and labeling him a “drowned mercenary.”
In a statement released Monday by Otunba Arc. Kayode Adebayo, PDP’s Publicity Secretary, the party described Akinlade’s exit as the official confirmation of a long-standing “unholy romance” with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The statement further accused Akinlade of “sustained acts of sabotage” since joining the PDP in 2022, alleging that he covertly supported the APC during the 2023 gubernatorial elections, a claim underscored by the party’s poor performance in his home base, Ipokia, despite significant resource deployment.
“Akinlade’s political journey is riddled with blemishes, betrayal, and disloyalty. He abandoned the PDP cause shortly after joining and has been working tirelessly with ‘diabolic’ elements to undermine the party’s unity and progress,” the statement read.
The PDP linked Akinlade’s resignation to the collapse of his legal challenges against the election results, interpreting his exit as a desperate bid to maintain political relevance amid eroding credibility. “Every association has its Judas. For us, Akinlade has been that Judas — a political liability whose antics almost compromised our collective interests. We are grateful that he has finally found the courage to publicly formalise his alliance with the APC,” Adebayo added.
Rejecting Akinlade’s allegations of ill-treatment within the party as “laughable excuses of a robber caught pants down,” the PDP urged other disgruntled members aligned with him to “hasten their political voyage to perdition.” The party reaffirmed its commitment to a “renaissance path” aimed at reclaiming dominance in Ogun State, assuring its 236 political wards that “no traitor, no mercenary” can undermine its unity and resolve.
“We have lost absolutely nothing,” the statement emphasized, reiterating the PDP’s mission to partner with the people of Ogun against the APC’s “callous irresponsibility and incompetence” remains steadfast.