On Sunday, a group within the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State led by former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola announced their support for Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress candidate running for governor on Saturday.
Speaking during the Osogbo gathering when the faction endorsed Oyebamiji’s bid for governor, Oyinlola said that his group chose to break with the current administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke because of his lack of inclusivity in managing government matters.
However, Oyinlola, along with former State Government Secretary Mr. Fatai Akinbade and former Southwest PDP National Vise Chairman Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, stated that they were not abandoning the PDP.
He continued by saying that the organization supported Oyebamiji’s candidacy because they felt it was important and because they genuinely wanted the state to grow.
Speaking on behalf of the state’s PDP leaders and members, Oyinlola characterized Oyebamiji’s endorsement as a result of necessity, conviction, and a genuine desire to forward the state’s cause in the best interests of everyone.
He insisted that in an attempt to save the state from the evil of politic0al nepotism, the party’s leadership and members were still determined to cast large numbers of votes in favor of Oyebamiji’s election.
We believe that the lack of inclusivity in our state’s government is one of the main problems that has led to this regrettable circumstance.
“We had faith in that endeavor. For it, we organized our personnel. We believed it embodied the ambitions of our people, so we put time, effort, and political capital into it.
But regrettably, things started to break apart along the way, and we believe that the lack of inclusivity in our beloved state’s governance is one of the main causes of this regrettable predicament.
“We firmly think that without the support of its citizens and leaders, no political party or administration can be sustainable.
“Consultation, involvement, and group responsibility have always been the foundation of the PDP.
He declared, “These are values that we must continue to uphold.”
However, Oyinlola maintained that they would not join the APC and would continue to be PDP members.
“Let me reiterate that the PDP should not be seen as being abandoned by our choice today.
“We continue to be PDP members. We are not here to declare that we are leaving the PDP. We are not here to give up our PDP membership. Instead, we are acting on our conscience as stakeholders who have worked for this state and who think that Osun State needs to take a different course right now.
“On this basis, we have decided to formally declare our support for Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, also known as AMBO, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for governor,” stated Oyinlola.
Oyinlola asked Oyebamiji to prioritize infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic growth, good governance, youth empowerment, and the creation of opportunities for our people on behalf of the group.
“You have to run an inclusive government and prioritize the people.” You have to pay attention to the people. Oyinlola stated, “You have to make sure that every aspect of Osun feels represented in your government.”
Akinbade and Oladipo urged all PDP members in the state to overwhelmingly support Oyebamiji in their respective speeches.
The two said that their choice to set up shop with the APC was the best option available at the time, not out of self-interest but rather for the benefit of the state and its people.
Adegboyega Oyetola, the state’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, expressed happiness at the admirable choice made by the PDP’s leadership and members.
He characterized former Governor Oyinlola as a national leader and grassroots politician whose political background and accomplishments should not be undervalued.
“The victory is ours by the grace of God,” Oyetola said, urging the state’s citizens to maintain their resolve and peace.
In response, Oyebamiji stated that the APC will win the governorship race because of the support his ambition had garnered from all parts of the state.
“I’ve had an easy time with this homework. We visited every local government area in Osun State roughly three times, and each time I was greeted with warmth.
“My ambition has been supported by our fathers.” Craftspeople, entrepreneurs, educators, women, men, kids, and senior citizens have all shown their support for my goal of becoming governor. He remarked, “Whoever is making accusations of rigging is expressing a fear of defeat that is right in front of them.”
In response to the Oyinlola group’s requests, Oyebamiji stated that, should he be elected governor, he would be willing to lead an inclusive government.
“I appreciate your faith and confidence in me. I shall adhere to your directive. I promise not to let you down. When I become governor of Osun State, I will make you proud and, with God’s grace, we will work together to further our state’s cause,” he declared.
Sunday Bisi, the chairman of the Osun State PDP, was not contacted to inquire about his response to the news. As of the time this story was filed, calls to his mobile number were unsuccessful, and he had not yet replied to a message sent to him over WhatsApp.
