By Akinleye Olu-Philips
Politics is built on structures, integrity, and shared vision — three things the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has woefully failed to uphold.
The recent statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the Ogun State PDP, Otunba Arc. Kayode Adebayo, in response to the resignation of Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade from the party, is a regrettable testament to the culture of blame-shifting, scapegoating, and internal implosion that has plagued the party for years.
To describe a man of proven loyalty to democratic ideals, an astute political leader, and a grassroots mobilizer as a “Judas” reflects more about the character of the accuser than the accused. It is disappointing — though not surprising — that a party that once begged for Akinlade’s inclusion now seeks to denigrate him simply because he chose to leave a sinking ship riddled with internal betrayal, absence of leadership structure, and chronic disregard for its own constitution.
A Party at War With Itself
Hon. Akinlade’s resignation is not an act of sabotage; it is the natural outcome of a toxic and dysfunctional party environment. For over a year, the Ogun PDP has been in a state of relentless internal conflict, with parallel congresses, multiple factions, and blatant disregard for constitutionally prescribed processes.
The same National Working Committee (NWC) that sold registration materials to Akinlade’s group, acknowledged their ward congresses, and received registers with over 49,000 members, suddenly chose to recognize another faction in a brazen and unconstitutional twist — triggering legal battles that remain unresolved to date.
Who, then, truly sabotaged the party?
False Claims, Hollow Arguments
To allege that Akinlade covertly worked for the APC during the 2023 election is laughable and cowardly. The facts are on record. Akinlade brought immense strength and strategic depth to the PDP ticket alongside Hon. Ladi Adebutu. His reputation and grassroots base in Ogun State helped boost the PDP’s reach within his region. That the party underperformed in certain areas should not be weaponized against one individual — especially when internal sabotage from within PDP ranks did far greater damage to its electoral chances than anything external forces could achieve.
This is the same party that failed woefully to retrieve its own 2022 Congress list from INEC — an internal lapse so damaging that the Federal High Court in Abeokuta was compelled to direct INEC to delist all PDP candidates from participating in the 2023 general elections. Ironically, it was Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade and his team who intervened decisively to salvage the situation and restore the party’s electoral viability in Ogun State.
If the PDP wishes to talk betrayal, it must begin by interrogating the selfish political warlords within its ranks whose only loyalty is to their personal ambition — not the party, not the people.
The Truth About Akinlade
Hon. Akinlade is not desperate for relevance. He remains one of Ogun State’s most respected and followed political figures, admired for his intellect, humility, and deep connection to the people. As a former member of the House of Representatives (2015–2019), 2019 Governorship candidate, and 2023 Deputy Governorship candidate, his political capital is undeniable. His exit is not a loss to the PDP — it is a massive gain to any political platform that values structure, intelligence, and strategic vision.
Moving Forward
The PDP may choose to dismiss Akinlade’s departure as “nothing lost,” but the reality in the 236 wards of Ogun State tells a different story. The party is bleeding members, struggling to hold itself together, and is fast losing credibility among the electorate — not because of Akinlade, but because of the arrogance and internal sabotage of those who now attempt to rewrite history.
Rather than issuing bitter press statements, the PDP would do better by conducting honest self-reflection and rebuilding from its ruins. The renaissance it speaks of cannot be built on falsehood, factionalism, and character assassination.
Akinleye Olu-Philips
Senior Media Consultant to Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlad
