Oyo State Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan, yesterday, said that his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not contravene any section of Nigeria’s constitution.

Olaniyan, who stated this at a press conference yesterday, said he remains the deputy governor of the state on a tenure that would lapse on May 28, 2023, having won the election with Governor Seyi Makinde and sworn in on May 29, 2019.

The deputy governor maintained that by his defection to APC, he had not violated any section of the Nigerian constitution as the issue had been decided in various courts of competent jurisdiction in the land, including the High, Appeal and even Supreme courts, arising from similar episodes.

He said he holds no animosity with the new running mate to the governor, Bayo Lawal, adding that he (Lawal) would always remain his elder brother and kinsman come what may.

He, however, reiterated that he would continue to hold Makinde in esteem and not allow anything to cause a personal rift between them.

The deputy governor said his passion and commitment to serve the people of the state remains constant but would never fight anyone to occupy a public position as an “Omoluabi.”