A former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing deepening leadership turmoil within the opposition party.
Oluwateru, who served as deputy governor during the administration of the late Dr Olusegun Agagu, made his decision public on Thursday at an event organised by the Asiwaju Mandate Group to mark his 79th birthday in Akure, the state capital.
The former Nigerian ambassador to Uganda said the unresolved crisis rocking the PDP at both the national and state levels informed his decision, describing the party as lacking clear direction, unity and internal discipline.
He particularly blamed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for aggravating the internal wrangling within the party, insisting that the situation had become unbearable for committed members.
“I am not quitting politics; I am only leaving the PDP. In one or two weeks, Nigerians will know where I am heading,” Oluwateru said, adding that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to his ward chairman.
The former deputy governor, who was also once a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, noted that he had remained with the party since its formation in 1998 but could no longer justify staying amid what he described as total collapse of internal order.
Reacting, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Engr Ade Adetimehin, described Oluwateru as a man of integrity and loyalty, expressing optimism that he would soon join the ruling party.
Adetimehin said the former deputy governor’s record of service and loyalty to the Agagu administration showed his commitment to good governance, adding that his decision reflected confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, Mr Muyiwa Asagunla, praised Oluwateru’s political career, describing him as diligent, humble and peaceful, and said his exit marked a major setback for the PDP in the state.
Asagunla recalled that Oluwateru was twice recognised as the most diligent deputy governor during the Agagu administration, noting that his long stay in the PDP made his resignation a significant political development.
Although Oluwateru did not openly declare his defection, sources said his resignation was aimed at paving the way for an imminent move to the APC, where many of his allies and supporters have already pitched their tents.
The event was attended by prominent members of the Asiwaju Mandate Group and notable political figures across party lines, who later presented gifts to the celebrant in recognition of his contributions to public service.
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