Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, former PDP Southwest Secretary has taken exception to a News report naming hilm as one of those who defected from PDP last Saturday, saying the report is misleading and mischievous.
In a swift reaction to a News Agency report in Lagos on Sunday, naming him as one of the defectors alongside Chief Abimbola Ogunkelu, Captain Shelle and others, Owokoniran cautions that political media reportage as we journey into 2027 must be based on facts and not hearsay to safeguard and midwife true electoral process.
Politicians are in the habit of selling misleading dummy 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 formarly received into the Party in Lagos by George Ashiru,few days after in the Party office with a Party Card.
Owokoniran swung into action immediately and with other leaders in the coalition initiated the ”Coalition Influencers’ a grassroots mobilization team that originated and commenced the mobilization and affirmation strategy which changed the face of opposition and brought ADC to the fore front in Lagos Political reckoning..
Owokoniran as a coalition leader in Lagos has before the Saturday “defection” event conducted massive mobilization and affirmation accross 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 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: train:
*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 have 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 looking forward to joining the movement, still.
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 is 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 as this, it can be misled into false reportage with grave consequences for our elections and democracy.
