Oyinlola's PDP Group Supports Oyebamiji for Osun Governorship Election

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

Oyinlola spoke at an event in Osogbo, where they endorsed Oyebamiji's bid for governor. He explained that the group chose to break away from the administration of current Governor Ademola Adeleke because they felt left out of decision-making in the government.

Oyinlola was joined by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; former Secretary to the Osun State Government, Fatai Akinbade; and former Commissioner for Special Duties, Tajudeen Oladipupo. He emphasized that they are not leaving the PDP.

He stated that the group chose to back Oyebamiji after careful consideration, believing it was necessary for the progress of Osun 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."

Oyinlola noted that the PDP has always valued consultation, participation, and collective responsibility. He added, "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."

The former governor declared, "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 urged Oyebamiji to prioritize good governance, economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, and creating 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," he said.

Responding to the support he received, Oyebamiji said the backing from various groups would help the APC win 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."

He continued, "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."

Regarding the demands from Oyinlola's group, Oyebamiji promised to run an inclusive government if he becomes governor.

Attempts to get a reaction from the Osun PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, were unsuccessful. His calls did not go through, and he had not replied to a WhatsApp message sent at the time of this report.