Osun 2026: Oyinlola-led PDP endorses APC candidate Oyebamiji

Osun 2026: Oyinlola-led PDP endorses APC candidate Oyebamiji

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State, led by former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on Sunday declared support for the All Progressives Congress candidate in the next Saturday’s governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji.

Oyinlola, while speaking at the event held in Osogbo, where Oyebamiji’s governorship ambition received the faction’s endorsement, said his group decided to part ways with the administration of the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke due to a lack of inclusion in his handling of government affairs.

The former Osun governor, who was flanked by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; former Secretary to the Osun State Government, Fatai Akinbade; and a former Commissioner for Special Duties, Tajudeen Oladipupo, however, declared that the group was not dumping the PDP.

He added that the group adopted Oyebamiji’s candidacy, having considered the decision necessary and out of conviction and a sincere desire for the progress of the state.

“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 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. 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 the 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.

Responding, Oyebamiji said the backing 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 local government areas in Osun State about three times. I was received warmly on each occasion.

“These our fathers have backed my ambition; artisans, business operators, teachers, women, men, children and the elderly have all declared support for my ambition to be governor. Whoever is raising rigging allegations is expressing fear of defeat that is staring them in the face,” he said.

On the demands placed before him by the Oyinlola group, Oyebamiji expressed readiness to run an inclusive government if elected governor.