The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Seun Adelore, has formally resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, The PUNCH learnt on Sunday.

Adelore, a close associate of Governor Seyi Makinde, in his resignation letter, cited what he described as “deep-seated injustice within the party, a lack of reward for loyalty, and a growing departure from democratic principles.”

In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday, Adelore alleged that the party was increasingly being run like a private enterprise by select factions in the state.

However, sources within the party confided in The PUNCH that his resignation was not unconnected with the alleged imposition of the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde, Folajimi Oyekunle, as the consensus candidate for the PDP in the upcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.

The development came after other aspirants stepped down and pledged their full support to Oyekunle’s candidacy.

It was further gathered that the consensus arrangement was reached at a high-level meeting with Makinde and the aspirants vying for the party ticket.

A two-term member of the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress, Olaide Akinremi, died at the age of 51 on July 10, 2024, in Abuja after a brief illness.

Adelore said his decision followed extensive consultations with his political base across the state and was guided by a commitment to personal integrity and democratic ideals.

“The PDP in this state is increasingly being run like a private enterprise by select factions, undermining the collective spirit and transparency that should define party politics,” he said.

The former Waste Management Board chairman lamented the erosion of core values and the growing culture of intolerance and imposition within the system.

His resignation letter read, “I write to formally tender my resignation as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ibadan North Local Government, effective July 7, 2025. I also hereby withdraw my membership from the party.

“This decision was not made lightly. After deep personal reflection and wide consultation with my supporters, I have chosen to step aside in order to preserve my integrity and honour.

“Despite my significant contributions to the party since 2018 alongside other loyal members, which contributed to the success of the current administration, I have watched with deep concern as values have deteriorated within the party.

“Vindictiveness, authoritarian tendencies, and a lack of respect for human dignity have unfortunately become pervasive. As Niccolò Machiavelli observed, despots often mask cruelty with gestures of charity, while trampling those who helped bring them to power. This pattern has become evident in the state, where loyalty is often punished rather than appreciated.”

It added, “Over the past two years, I have witnessed a growing trend of imposition, intimidation, and disregard for democratic processes—practices that conflict with the foundational principles of the PDP. I can no longer lend my name and reputation to such contradictions.

“I am deeply grateful to my supporters, whose unwavering belief in my leadership has been humbling. It has been an honour to serve the party and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state.

“I remain firmly committed to the ideals of true democracy and the genuine development of our state, not superficial accomplishments promoted by surrogates.”

As of press time, there was no official statement from the state party secretariat while the state party chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, could not be reached for comment. (The PUNCH)