From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
In a major political realignment ahead of the Osun State governorship election, former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and other prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
Oyinlola was joined by former Secretary to the State Government, Fatai Akinbade; former PDP National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Tajudeen Oladipo and other PDP leaders and supporters at the declaration in Osogbo.
The development is a major boost for Oyebamiji’s campaign ahead of the August 15 governorship election, coming from prominent figures within the PDP who played significant roles in the state’s political affairs.
Addressing party loyalists and stakeholders, Oyinlola clarified that the group remained members of the PDP and was not announcing its defection from the party.
He, however, said their decision to support Oyebamiji was based on conscience and what they considered to be the larger interest of Osun State.
“Our membership of the PDP is not in question. However, being members of a political party does not mean that we should abandon our conscience or the larger interest of the people we have served,” Oyinlola said.
Recalling their role in bringing the present PDP administration to power, the former governor said the vision had been undermined by what he described as a lack of inclusiveness in governance.
He said the group had therefore decided to support Oyebamiji because they believed he could provide a different direction for the state.
“We are not here to announce our defection from the PDP. Rather, we are exercising our conscience as stakeholders who have served this state and who believe that, at this particular moment, Osun State requires a different direction,” he said.
Oyinlola said their support for Oyebamiji came with expectations, including good governance, economic development, infrastructure and an inclusive administration in which every part of the state would feel represented.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Oyebamiji Campaign Council, Wole Oke, used the occasion to apologise publicly to the PDP leaders for defying their instructions to support Governor Ademola Adeleke during the 2022 election.
The gathering also attracted prominent APC figures, including former PDP Board of Trustees member, Shuaib Oyedokun; former Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan; Chairman of the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Adejare Bello; and Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority, Lekan Badmus.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, welcomed the development and described Oyinlola as a grassroots politician and national figure whose political experience could not be underestimated.
Oyetola urged residents to remain peaceful and resolute ahead of the election.
Responding, Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to the PDP leaders and members for their support and confidence in his candidacy.
“I thank you for the confidence and trust reposed in me. I will stand by your mandate. I will not disappoint you. I will make you proud and, by the grace of God, we shall collectively advance the cause of our state when I become Osun State governor,” he said.
(The Sun)