A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure, led by former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and former Secretary to the State Government, Fatai Akinbade, has declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly called AMBO, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Oyinlola, who stressed that they remain members of the PDP, stated that their decision to support Oyebamiji ahead of the poll was based on their conscience and what they considered the interest of Osun State.
The former governor made the public declaration during a political gathering attended by party leaders and members held at the WOCDIF Event Centre in Osogbo on Sunday.
He said, “We are not defecting from the PDP but have resolved to support a candidate they believe could provide inclusive leadership and a different direction for the state. Party loyalty is important, but the interest of Osun State must always come first”.
According to him, the group had supported the emergence of the present PDP administration but became dissatisfied with what he described as a lack of inclusiveness in governance.
He said, “We were among the major stakeholders who worked tirelessly towards the emergence of the present administration under the platform of the PDP.
“We believed in that project. We supported it. We mobilised our people for it. We invested our time, energy and political capital in it because we believed that it represented the aspirations of our people.
“Unfortunately, along the line, things began to fall apart. 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.”
Oyinlola said the group’s decision to back Oyebamiji was “born out of necessity, conviction and our sincere desire for the progress of Osun State.”
He urged the APC candidate to run an inclusive government if elected, to listen to the people, and to ensure that all parts of the state were represented.
“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,” he said.
Oyinlola added, “We remain proud members of the Peoples Democratic Party. But today, in the interest of Osun State, we stand with AMBO.”
Accepting the endorsement, the APC candidate described the PDP support as a reflection of the shared conviction that Osun deserves a new direction to address challenges affecting the state growth and development.
He said: “I am deeply honoured by the decision of members of the PDP in Osun State, led by former Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to endorse my candidacy for Governor of Osun State.
“This endorsement is more than political support; it is a reflection of a shared conviction that Osun deserves a new direction, one founded on justice, fairness, inclusion and development that reaches every part of our state.
“Osun must move beyond one-sided politics and uneven development. Government must belong to everyone, regardless of political affiliation, senatorial district, religion or community. Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government, and every part of Osun deserves a fair opportunity to grow.
“I welcome this support with humility and a deep sense of responsibility. Together, we can end the politics of division and build an Osun where justice is upheld, opportunities are created, and development is felt across the board.
“The time for a new direction is now. Together, we will rebuild Osun and give our people the government they truly deserve”.