A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State led by the former governor of the state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on Sunday declared support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Saturday’s governorship poll, Bola Oyebamiji.
Oyinlola, speaking at the event held in Osogbo, where Oyebamiji’s ambition to be governor received the faction’s endorsement, stated that his group decided to part ways with the incumbent administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke due to a lack of inclusion in his handling of government affairs.
Oyinlola, joined by a former Secretary to State Government, Mr Fatai Akinbade, former PDP National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, however, declared that they were not dumping the PDP.
He added that the group adopted Oyebamiji’s candidature, having considered the decision necessary and out of conviction and sincere desire for the progress of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the leaders and members of the PDP in the state, Oyinlola described the endorsement of Oyebamiji as a child of necessity, conviction and sincere desire to advance the cause of the state in the interest of all and sundry.
He maintained that the leadership and members of the party remained resolute to vote massively for the emergence of Oyebamiji as part of efforts to rescue the state from the scourge of political nepotism.
“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 state.
“We believed in that project. We mobilised our people for it. We invested time, energy and political capital in it because we believed that it represented the aspirations of our people.
“But unfortunately, along the line, things began to fall apart, and 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.
“We believe strongly that no party or government can succeed sustainably when it does not carry its people and leaders along.
“The PDP has always been a party built around consultation, participation and collective responsibility.
“These are values that we must continue to uphold,” he said.
Oyinlola, however, insisted that they remained PDP members and would not defect to the APC.
“Let me repeat that our decision today should not be interpreted as an abandonment of the PDP.
“We remain PDP members. We are not here to announce our defection from the PDP. We are not here to renounce our membership of 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.
“It is on this basis that we have resolved to officially declare our support for Mr Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Oyinlola said.
On behalf of the group, Oyinlola urged Oyebamiji to focus on good governance, economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and the creation of opportunities for our people.
“You must 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,” Oyinlola said.
In their separate remarks, Akinbade and Oladipo called on all members of the PDP in the state to cast their votes overwhelmingly for Oyebamiji.
The duo attributed their decision to pitch their tent with the APC as the best at the moment, not for selfish interest but for the good of the state and her citizens.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, expressed delight in the noble decision taken by the leadership and members of the PDP in the state.
He described ex-Governor Oyinlola as a grassroots politician and national figure whose political antecedents and track records could not be underestimated.
Oyetola called on the people of the state to remain resolute and peaceful, saying “the victory is ours by the grace of God”
Responding, Oyebamiji said the support his ambition had received from different segments of the state would ensure victory for the APC in the governorship 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.
“Our fathers have backed my ambition. Artisans, business operators, teachers, women, men, children and the elderly have all declared their support for my ambition to become governor. Whoever is raising allegations of rigging is expressing fear of defeat that is staring them in the face,” he said.
On the demands made by the Oyinlola group, Oyebamiji expressed his readiness to run an inclusive government if elected governor.
“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.
Efforts to reach the Osun State PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, for his reaction to the development were unsuccessful. Calls to his mobile line did not go through, while he had yet to respond to a message sent to him via WhatsApp as of the time of filing this report.
