The Secretary and Political Head of Akinyele East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Ahmed Kazeem Adekunle, popularly known as Kagara, has strongly dismissed claims linking him with a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) allegedly loyal to Hazeem Gbolarumi, describing the allegation as baseless and a product of divisive politics.
Kagara, in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, urged those spreading the rumours to desist from what he described as “politics of bitterness” and instead concentrate on fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to them as public office holders.
He reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the PDP and the leadership of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, stressing that he remains firmly committed to the party structure under the governor.
According to him, his political journey and public service opportunities have largely been facilitated by the present administration, making it illogical for him to associate with any faction working against the unity of the party.
“I have been saddled with responsibilities as a public office holder under this government for years, and I am still a beneficiary of the same administration. Why would I abandon such a structure to join a faction that exists only in the imagination of its promoters?” he queried.
Kagara challenged those alleging that he attended the said factional congress to provide credible evidence to substantiate their claims, maintaining that he has never participated in any gathering outside the recognised PDP structure in the state.
He also condemned attempts by some individuals to drag the name of the lawmaker representing Akinyele State Constituency II, Olatunde Kehinde, into the controversy.
According to him, the lawmaker was falsely accused of attending the purported congress despite currently being out of the country on vacation.
“It is unfortunate that some people went as far as indicting a serving honourable member, Hon. Deacon Olatunde Kehinde, who is presently abroad enjoying his holiday, claiming he attended the so-called failed congress. Such politics of falsehood will not take anyone far,” he said.
Kagara further advised young people involved in political activities to embrace progressive politics rather than allowing themselves to be used as tools for division by desperate politicians seeking relevance.
He warned that those spreading misinformation and fueling internal conflicts within the party would eventually be exposed, reiterating that he has remained a loyal member of the PDP even before the party returned to power in the state.
“I have been on the side of this party long before it formed the government in Oyo State. Unfortunately, some individuals who joined recently and were given leadership positions now prefer to engage in political theatrics instead of focusing on the responsibilities entrusted to them,” he added.
Kagara further noted that the antecedents and track records of both himself and Hon. Kehinde should be carefully examined, insisting that their activities and public service remain consistent with the development blueprint of Governor Makinde.
He stated that their commitment to the welfare and development of the people of Akinyele Local Government has earned them goodwill among residents, which he claimed has unsettled certain political actors who now resort to spreading misinformation.
According to him, those behind the rumours should rather account for their own contributions to development, alleging that there has been no visible impact from the political figure he described as the sponsor of the misinformation campaign.
The Akinyele East LCDA political head therefore called on party faithful, groups and supporters not to be distracted by what he described as unnecessary propaganda, urging them to continue supporting the administration of Governor Makinde.
He concluded by describing the governor as a leader whose style of governance and commitment to development make him worthy of continued support from all well-meaning members of the party and the people of the state.
