Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, last night became the third high-profile member of the New Peoples Democratic Party (New PDP) to distance himself from the merger with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu had washed his hands off the deal shortly after it was announced late yesterday morning, while his Jigawa State counterpart, Sule Lamido, followed suit later in the day.

Oyinlola toed a similar path in statement issued in Abuja today and signed by his Principal Secretary, Femi Adelegan. “Following several inquiries from various quarters, particularly from well meaning political associates, friends and well-wishers, it has become necessary to clarify the position of things as they concern Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola on the current political terrain in the country,” Adelegan, said, quickly adding that “Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola remains the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party and will continue to lay claim his legal and valid status as the National Secretary of the party.”

The statement explained that Oyinlola’s purported suspension does not invalidate his substantive position and PDP national secretary and that he is “resolutely committed to leadership through dedicated and selfless service, as well as rising to challenges and the responsibilities of any office he is privileged to occupy legitimately; as these virtues have become his second nature.”

It added that Oyinlola, who was elected at the PDP national convention of March 24, 2012, and confirmed by the report of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the exercise, as well as the Court of Appeal, through its judgement on November 6, 2013, will at all times strive to uphold truth, absolute honesty and unimpeachable respect for the Rule of Law and constitutionalism.

“Oyinlola is deeply encouraged by the demonstration of solidarity by well-meaning Nigerians, locally and abroad; who have continued to call to commend him for his indomitable spirit, endurance, courage and the dutiful manner with which he has continued to respond to the political problems of the PDP,” Adelegan stated.

•Photo shows Oyinlola.