I’m ADC Coalition leader, not recent PDP defector – Hon Owokoniran sets record straight

Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, former Southwest zonal secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has denied reports that he defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside other PDP stalwarts.

Clarifying a recent media publication by the news Agency of Nigeria(NAN) which numbered him among the Saturday PDP stalwarts who defected to the ADC) Hon. Owokoniran stated that he is already a coalition leader in Lagos State and had joined the party earlier.

In a press statement on Tuesday signed by his media aide, Rasheed Giwa, Owokoniran noted that he was invited by the leadership of the coalition to lead the Lagos team to the ADC unveiling.

Recall that some stalwarts of the PDP, including Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, Captain Shelle, Niyi Adams and others defected to the ADC on Saturday where they were received by the national secretary of the ADC, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, state chairman of the party, George Ashiru and others.

In a swift reaction to the NAN report, Owokoniran refuted the report of defecting alongside Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, Captain Shelle and others, cautioning that political media reportage must be based on facts and not hearsay to safeguard and midwife true electoral process.

The statement reads, “Politicians are in the habit of selling misleading dummies to unsuspecting journalists who go ahead to publish without cross checking.

“For the avoidance of doubts, Rahman Owokoniran was invited by the leadership of the coalition to lead the Lagos team to the ADC unveiling.

“He resigned from PDP same-day, Wednesday July 2nd, 2025. He was formally received into the Party in Lagos by George Ashiru, a few days later in the party’s office and was issued with a party card.

“Owokoniran swung into action immediately and with other leaders in the coalition initiated the ”Coalition Influencers’ a grassroots mobilisation team that originated and commenced the mobilisation and affirmation strategy which changed the face of opposition and brought ADC to the forefront in Lagos political reckoning.

“Owokoniran as a coalition leader in Lagos has before the Saturday “defection” event conducted massive mobilisation and affirmation across a few Local Governments in the state in company of the National Secretary and Southwest leader, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and State party chairman, George Ashiru.

“Last Saturday’s event was therefore not different but reported out of context.

“For the avoidance of doubts, below is an excerpt of Owokoniran’s congratulatory message to welcome Chief Ogunkelu and others who just resolved to join the ADC.”

“My heartwarming thoughts and appreciation to all the good people who have lately made up their minds to join the fight against tyranny, oppression and the destruction of our democracy.

“We’ve long awaited your arrivals with the hope that we can all unite to face the challenges ahead of us. We are also anticipating the arrival of many more prospective members who are still looking forward to joining the movement.

“Indeed we have all made the right choice to fight for our freedom, liberty and the pursuit of justice and happiness for all Nigerians. “And ADC is the only party that promises to ensure that our people are protected from tyranny and tyrants. It’s the only party that can guarantee our liberty, security and prosperity.

“The leaders of ADC are tested, trustworthy and loyal to our values and principles as enshrined in the constitution of our country, Nigeria.

“I congratulate all joiners and members at large for their courage to stand up for their rights and that of others, to make a difference for the betterment of the nation.

“Unless the media is careful and cautious, from little distortions such as this, it can be misled into false reportage with grave consequences for our elections and democracy.”