On Sunday, a group within the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State, headed by former state governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, announced their support for Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress candidate in Saturday’s governorship election.
At the event in Osogbo, Oyinlola announced that his group had chosen to withdraw support from Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration due to their exclusion from governmental decision-making. This statement came as Oyebamiji’s gubernatorial ambitions gained endorsement from their faction.
Oyinlola, along with former Secretary to State Government Mr. Fatai Akinbade and Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, the ex-PDP National Vice Chairman for the Southwest, stated that they have no plans of leaving the PDP.
He mentioned that the group chose to support Oyebamiji’s candidacy after determining that it was a necessary decision, driven by their conviction and genuine desire for the state’s progress.
Representing the leaders and members of the PDP in the state, Oyinlola characterized Oyebamiji’s endorsement as a necessary action born out of conviction and a genuine desire to promote the state’s interests for everyone.
He asserted that the party’s leadership and members were determined to overwhelmingly support Oyebamiji’s rise as a crucial step in liberating the state from political nepotism.
In our opinion, a key factor contributing to this unfortunate situation is the lack of inclusiveness in how our state is governed.
We had faith in that project. We rallied our people around it and dedicated time, effort, and political resources to it because we felt it embodied the aspirations of our community.
Regrettably, over time things started to unravel. We believe that a significant factor contributing to this unfortunate situation is the lack of inclusiveness in the governance of our beloved state.
We firmly believe that no party or government can achieve lasting success without involving and engaging its people and leaders.
The PDP has consistently been a party founded on consultation, active involvement, and shared responsibility.
“We must continue to uphold these values,” he stated.
Nonetheless, Oyinlola emphasized that they continued to be members of the PDP and would not switch allegiance to the APC.
Allow me to reiterate that our decision today should not be seen as a departure from the PDP.
We are still committed members of the PDP and have no intention of leaving or renouncing our membership. Instead, we are simply expressing our beliefs as dedicated stakeholders who have contributed to this state. We think that Osun State needs a new direction at this time.
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Oyinlola stated, “Based on this foundation, we have decided to formally announce our support for Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, commonly referred to as AMBO, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Representing the group, Oyinlola encouraged Oyebamiji to prioritize effective governance, economic growth, infrastructure improvement, education enhancement, healthcare advancement, agricultural development, youth empowerment and creating opportunities for our community.
“You need to prioritize the people and lead an inclusive government. It’s essential to listen to them and ensure that all areas of Osun feel represented in your administration,” Oyinlola stated.
In their individual statements, Akinbade and Oladipo urged all PDP members in the state to vote decisively for Oyebamiji.
The pair explained that their choice to align with the APC was driven by what they believe is currently the best option, emphasizing that it was made not out of self-interest but for the benefit of the state and its citizens.
Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, expressed pleasure regarding the commendable decision made by the leadership and members of the PDP in the state.
He portrayed former Governor Oyinlola as both a grassroots politician and a national figure, emphasizing that his political background and accomplishments are highly significant.
Oyetola urged the state’s residents to stay determined and maintain peace, stating, “With God’s grace, victory is ours.”
In response, Oyebamiji stated that the backing his campaign had garnered from various parts of the state would secure a win for the APC in the gubernatorial election.
This assignment has been made simple for me. We’ve visited every local government area in Osun State around three times, and I was warmly welcomed each time.
Our fathers have supported my aspiration, and individuals from all walks of life—artisans, business owners, teachers; women and men alike; children and the elderly—all stand with me in my campaign to become governor. Those suggesting any allegations of rigging are simply manifesting their fear of an imminent defeat.
