A member representing Osun Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Hon. Adekunle Akinrinade, has dismissed claims that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) forced out the member representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency, Hon. Oluwole Oke (BOO).

 

Speaking on Morning Spring, a current affairs programme on Western Spring Television, Osogbo, on Wednesday, Akinrinade was reacting to comments made by Barr. Abayomi Ojo, the APC candidate for Ilesa West State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly.

 

According to Akinrinade, Oke voluntarily left the PDP and was not pushed out by the party as alleged. He argued that the lawmaker's decision was influenced by the prospect of participating in an open primary election against other aspirants seeking the party's ticket.

 

Akinrinade stated that since Oke entered the political system in 2003, he had consistently secured party tickets without facing stiff internal contests. He added that the current political climate within the party now requires aspirants to test their popularity through a transparent primary process.

 

"The truth is that Hon. Wole Oke was not chased out of the PDP. He left because he was uncomfortable with the reality of an open primary election, where he would have had to compete with other aspirants for the ticket," Akinrinade said.

 

The youth parliamentarian maintained that the PDP remains committed to internal democracy and providing a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of future elections.

 

His remarks come amid ongoing political debates and realignments in Osun State as parties prepare for upcoming electoral contests.