The People's Democratic Party (PDP), Osun State Chapter has officially clarified that the duo of Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi and Omooba Dotun Babayemi have officially ceased to be members of the party.

This was contained in different press releases by the executives of the party in Ayedire and Ayedaade local government areas of Osun State.

According to Mr. Salawu Isiaka (Chairman), Mrs. Ayankunle Bose (Secretary) and Mr. Yinka Asafa (Youth Leader) of Ward 5, Ileogbo 1, Ayedire Local Government, Dr. Ogunbiyi has not been affiliated with the party since March 2022.

The party claimed Dr. Ogunbiyi resigned to pursue his governorship ambition under the Accord Party, where he secured only 4,515 votes in the 2022 gubernatorial election, a result that did not impact the PDP's chances of victory.

"After his unsuccessful bid, Dr. Ogunbiyi attempted to return to the PDP, approaching ward leaders with a request for reinstatement. However, his plea was met with a unanimous refusal from the ward leaders, who emphasized their commitment to party loyalty and integrity.

"Further efforts by Dr. Ogunbiyi to re-establish his position within the PDP included an attempt to join the presidential campaign committee for the 2023 General Election. This move was strongly opposed by party members in Ward 5, who reiterated that he was no longer a member.

"The PDP wishes to emphasize that Dr. Ogunbiyi has had no affiliation with the party since his resignation in March 2022 and has played no role in its subsequent successes. The members and leaders of Ward 5, Ayedire Local Government, have maintained their stance, reflecting their dedication to maintaining the party's unity and strength.

In the same vein, executives of the party in Ward 2, Ayedaade Local Government Area, said Omoba Dotun Babayemi was expelled from the party in 2022.

According to a statement by Chief Awodeji Julius (Chairman) and Bukayo Ogunleye (Secretary), Babayemi's actions, which led to his expulsion, were in direct conflict with the values and principles upheld by the PDP. Consequently, any association of Babayemi with the PDP by political entities, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), is misleading and inappropriate, as Babayemi has since joined the APC.

"The expulsion of Dotun Babayemi was a result of his continuous actions that undermined the integrity and unity of the PDP and contradicted the will of the Osun people. The decision to expel him followed the party's constitution and disciplinary procedures, ensuring the PDP's commitment to its members and supporters. Notably, Babayemi had been actively involved with the APC even before his official expulsion from the PDP.

"Babayemi's ongoing attempts to leverage the PDP's name for political gain while aligning with another party are unfounded. The PDP remains focused on its mission and will not be distracted by the tactics of individuals who have severed ties with the party. Babayemi’s efforts to manipulate public perception by invoking the PDP's name are recognized as mere attempts to garner attention during his transition to the APC. The PDP, dedicated to advancing its agenda and serving the people's interests, urges the public and media to acknowledge the factual history of Babayemi’s expulsion and his current political stance.

"The PDP is committed to its principles and will continue to pursue its goals without interference from former members who have chosen to depart from the party’s ideals."