….As five lawmakers dump PDP for APC
By Adeyemi David
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has criticised the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, accusing it of incompetence and steering the state toward economic uncertainty.
Oyebamiji made the remarks while receiving five federal lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, alongside thousands of supporters, at a reception marked by strong political undertones and calls for a change in leadership.
The gathering also endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
According to the APC flagbearer, the current state of governance in Osun demands urgent intervention from “well-meaning stakeholders,” warning that continued administrative decline could worsen economic conditions.
“At a time when Osun is drifting dangerously toward economic uncertainty, administrative decline and persistent inefficiency, it has become imperative for leaders to rise above partisan divides and unite under a common purpose to rescue and rebuild our state,” he said.
He argued that the defection of the lawmakers signals growing dissatisfaction with the present administration and reflects a broader desire for what he described as responsible and people-oriented governance.
The defecting legislators include Francis Fadahunsi, Olubiyi Fadeyi, Wole Oke, Omirin Olusanya, and Taofeek Ajilesoro.
Oyebamiji expressed optimism that their move would strengthen the APC’s grassroots structure ahead of the 2026 governorship election and position the party to reclaim the state.
“My joy knows no bounds as we begin the countdown to the emergence of a truly people-oriented government that will deliver equitable development across the length and breadth of our dear state,” he stated.
He maintained that the mission to unseat the current administration goes beyond political ambition, stressing that it is about safeguarding the future of the state and restoring confidence in public institutions.
Assuring the defectors of fair treatment within the party, Oyebamiji said the APC would operate an inclusive structure where all voices are recognised.
“The APC in Osun is one big family. No one will be excluded from the decision-making process; every contribution will be valued.
Together, we shall secure victory and restore Osun to its rightful place as a beacon of good governance and sustainable development,” he added.
Also speaking, the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, pointed to what he described as improvements under the Tinubu administration, including stronger national reserves and increased revenue allocations to subnational governments for development.
Basiru reaffirmed the party’s resolve to win the August 8 governorship and urged voters to support Tinubu’s re-election.
On behalf of the defectors, Senator Fadahunsi pledged their readiness to mobilise support for the APC, expressing confidence that the party would emerge victorious in both the 2026 governorship poll and the 2027 presidential election.
