A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, led by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has declared its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of Saturday’s election.
Oyinlola announced the decision on Sunday in Osogbo, saying members of the group were withdrawing their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration because of what they described as a lack of inclusiveness in governance and exclusion from decision-making.
He, however, stressed that the group remained members of the PDP and had no intention of defecting 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,” Oyinlola said.
The former governor said the decision to support Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, was based on conviction and what the group considered to be the best interest of Osun State.
According to him, the group had previously supported the Adeleke administration because it believed in its aspirations but became dissatisfied with the way the state was being 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,” he said.
Oyinlola argued that no government could achieve lasting success without consultation and broad participation, insisting that the PDP had traditionally been built on consultation, involvement and shared responsibility.
He urged Oyebamiji, if elected, to prioritize inclusive governance, economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and job creation.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking, former Secretary to the State Government, Fatai Akinbade, and former PDP National Vice Chairman for the Southwest, Tajudeen Oladipo, urged PDP members across the state to support Oyebamiji.
They said their decision was motivated by what they considered the best option for the state rather than personal interests.
The development was welcomed by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who described Oyinlola as an influential grassroots politician with significant political experience.
Oyetola urged residents to remain peaceful as the election approaches.
Responding to the endorsement, Oyebamiji expressed confidence that his growing support across the state would translate into victory for the APC.
He said his campaign had visited every local government area in Osun State multiple times and claimed to have received widespread support from residents across different sections of society.
Oyebamiji also dismissed allegations of possible electoral manipulation, saying those raising such concerns were only expressing fear of an impending defeat.
The endorsement by the Oyinlola-led faction adds a new dimension to the closely watched Osun governorship contest, with political parties intensifying their mobilisation ahead of Saturday’s poll.
