A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State, led by former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has endorsed the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of Saturday’s election. The group announced its support for Oyebamiji on Sunday at a gathering in Osogbo. Oyinlola said the decision followed concerns over the handling of government affairs under Governor Ademola Adeleke.
A former Secretary to the State Government, Fatai Akinbade, and former PDP National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Tajudeen Oladipo, also attended the event. Oyinlola, however, stressed that the group had not left the PDP. He said the decision to support Oyebamiji was based on conviction and what the leaders considered to be in the best interest of Osun State.
Why Oyinlola backed Oyebamiji
Speaking on behalf of the PDP leaders and members, Oyinlola said the group initially supported Adeleke and mobilised people for his administration. The relationship later became strained because of what he described as a lack of inclusiveness in the running of the state.
“One of the major issues that have created this unfortunate situation, in our considered view, is the lack of inclusiveness in the governance of our dear state.”
According to Oyinlola, the PDP has always promoted consultation, participation and collective responsibility. He said those principles should also guide the running of government.
“We believe strongly that no party or government can succeed sustainably when it does not carry its people and leaders along.”
The former governor described the endorsement of Oyebamiji as a “child of necessity”. He said the group believed Osun needed a different direction and had therefore decided to support the APC candidate. He was quick to clarify that the decision should not be interpreted as a defection from the PDP.
“We are not here to announce our defection from the PDP. We are not here to renounce our membership of the PDP.”
Oyinlola said the group was exercising its conscience as stakeholders who had served the state. He added that they believed supporting another candidate was necessary at this time.
Oyinlola gives Oyebamiji advice
The former governor urged Oyebamiji to make good governance and inclusiveness priorities if he wins Saturday’s election. He asked the APC candidate to focus on economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment. Oyinlola also warned against running a government that excludes sections of the state.
“put the people first and run an inclusive government. You must listen to the people. You must ensure that every part of Osun feels represented in your government,” he said.
Akinbade and Oladipo also appealed to PDP members across the state to vote for Oyebamiji. The two leaders said their decision was not based on personal interests but on what they considered best for Osun and its residents.
Oyetola, Oyebamiji react
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, welcomed the endorsement and described Oyinlola as a respected grassroots politician and national figure. Oyetola urged residents to remain peaceful as the election approaches.
“The victory is ours by the grace of God,” he said.
Oyebamiji said the endorsement had strengthened his campaign ahead of the poll. His campaign, he noted, had visited all the local government areas in the state several times. According to him, the reception from residents had boosted his confidence ahead of the election.
“This assignment has been made easy for me. We have been to all the local government areas in Osun State about three times, and I was warmly received on each occasion.”
The APC candidate also dismissed allegations of possible rigging. He said such claims showed that his opponents were worried about the outcome of the election. Oyebamiji promised to run an inclusive government if elected. He also assured the Oyinlola-led group that he would honour the confidence placed in him.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Osun State PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, were unsuccessful. Calls to his mobile line did not go through, while he had yet to respond to a message sent via WhatsApp as of the time of filing the report.
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