Members of the House of Representatives from Osun State have assured the Peoples Democratic Party and Governor Ademola Adeleke of their continued support and loyalty.

The lawmakers numbering about eight dismissed a statement credited to their colleague, Oluwole Oke, who earlier in the week defected to the All Progressives Congress and claimed that other PDP lawmakers were planning to join him.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Osun House of Reps members stated that Oke’s defection had been long predicted due to his open and consistent display of disloyalty, disrespect and media attack against the PDP and Adeleke’s administration.

The statement was co-signed by Bamidele Salam, Ajilesoro Taofeek, Mudashiru Alani and Akanni Ademola.

Others signatories are Omirin Olusanya, Adewale Adebayo, Adetunji Olusoji and Oladebo Omoleye.

Describing Oke’s resignation from the PDP as a mark of ingratitude to the party that brought him to political limelight, the legislators urged Oke to refrain from issuing statements laden with falsehood and malice in his bid to get sympathies from his new political friends.

“The defection of our colleague, Hon Wole Oke, is a personal decision that holds no bearing on the stability or cohesion of the PDP in Osun.

“The remaining eight members of the caucus remain fully committed to the ideals and leadership of the party,” the statement read.

The caucus further commended Adeleke for his “forthright, competent, and equitable” leadership since assuming office, stating that his administration had ensured the fair distribution of democratic dividends across all parts of Osun State.

Acknowledging the governor’s role as the undisputed leader of the party in the state, the lawmakers added that his inclusive approach to governance in Osun had strengthened the PDP for future challenges.

Despite Oke’s exit, the PDP lawmakers assured constituents that their collective mandate remained intact and that they remained undeterred in their commitment to delivering their legislative responsibilities and party obligations.

The caucus also called on party faithful across the state to remain steadfast and focused, urging them not to be swayed by political distractions.