Shina Peller, a member of the House of Representatives representing Oyo State’s Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal district, has dismissed claims that he had defected from the All Progressives Congress to another political party as “rumours.”
Kola Popoola, the lawmaker’s media aide, claimed this in a statement released on Sunday.
Peller, who lost the APC’s Oyo North Senatorial ticket to Senator Fatai Buhari, said any reports of defection should be treated with caution until he publicly announces his departure from the party via his verified social media platforms.
His meeting with Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeyan, a New Nigeria People’s Party chieftain, last week sparked rumours that he had left the APC, but he denied the reports.
He said, “My attention has been drawn to an unfounded report going viral that I have defected from the All Progressives Congress to New Nigeria People’s Party. Also, while some speculate that I am now a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, some conclude I am now in Accord Party. This is nothing but a rumour and should be regarded as one by all as I still remain a member of the APC until I announce otherwise via my verified social media handles.
“That I honoured Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeyan’s invitation to his house doesn’t mean I have defected to NNPP. Alhaji Olopoeyan is a family friend, and the fact that we belong to different political parties doesn’t mean I should start playing politics of bitterness with him. I am not that kind of a person and won’t turn to one for political reasons.
“It would be recalled that about a week ago, one of the chieftains of our party in Oyo State, had also alleged that I am being secretly positioned by the Peoples Democratic Party to be a running mate to Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde in the 2023 Oyo State gubernatorial race. This is also not true, and the recent announcement of Bayo Lawal as a running mate to Governor Makinde has further rendered the allegation baseless.
“That I commended Governor Makinde on a project that is beneficial to my constituents shouldn’t make one conclude that I am now a PDP member. Also, Engr. Seyi Makinde is not a governor to PDP members only, but a governor to everyone in Oyo State including myself. I haven’t defected from APC to any political party, and even if I am going to do so, that would be for the people of Oke Ogun in Oyo State to decide.”
