Mr. Tunde Ayofe, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ede, Osun State, has disclosed that he refused to write an apology letter demanded by some aides of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, as a condition to see him.
Ayofe, a loyalist of Oyetola, said he was asked to write an apology letter by some of the Ministers aides when he went to visit him at his office in Abuja, after his viral voice notes in which he complained that the former governor was not making himself available to party members.
According to Ayofe, Oyetola reached out to him on the phone after the viral voice note, stating that he was also encouraged by some people to visit the Minister.
He claimed that when he got to Oyetolas office, he was asked to write an apology letter before he could be allowed to see the minister.
Ayofe, in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER on Monday, said: I went to Abuja after my voice notes where I complained that Oyetola was not making himself available. Oyetola himself called me and some people encouraged me to see him. When I got to his office in Abuja, I was told I needed to write a letter of apology and I insisted on not writing any letter.
Which letter should I write to Governor Ademola Adeleke, whom I denied and refused to support even though we are family? A man who doesnt have a forgiving heart is not worth it. I refused to write the letter.
I have been attacking some people for eight or 12 years because of a person, and the person I am doing that for could not forgive me for offending him once? If he cant forgive me, then I am not writing any letter of apology.
Speaking on his reported defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayofe said he has not left the APC, saying, I am still in APC.
Ayofes said that while he is still a member of the APC, he is, however, no longer interested in any combative political activities in favour of or against anybody.
I cannot continue to inherit another persons enemy because of politics,”he declared.
He disclosed that the picture being circulated on social media as evidence of his purported defection was taken with his friends, who are members of the PDP.
According to Ayofe, he agreed to take the picture with the PDP stalwarts as a result of his resolve to play politics in a new way.
He said: I didnt defect to the PDP; I am still in the APC. But I am taking up a new way of doing politics. I cant continue to attack people who are good to me. I dont want to inherit anybodys enemy again. I am no longer interested in any caucus, group, or faction in the APC. It isnt worth it.
The people in the picture on social media are my childhood friends. I had avoided these people for the past six years because of my party.
Before we took the picture, my people told me that I was too rigid with the way I was playing politics. They cited the example of Wike who is a member of the PDP but is serving under President Tinubu. They encouraged me to soften my heart and play politics with maturity. Then I decided to take a picture with them.
I have decided not to create or have any enmity again in politics. I am having a new way to politics, I am still a member of APC.
Ismaeel Uthman is an Editor, Media Consultant with over 14 years experience in print journalism.
A consummate writer and reporter, Uthman has received accolades for his works, especially one that appeals for good governance and community development. He is a recipient of many laurels, including the Best Investigative Reporter (Print) Award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, in 2020.
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