A FACTION of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, led by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on Sunday declared its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
News Point Nigeria reports that Oyinlola made the declaration at an event in Osogbo where the faction formally endorsed Oyebamiji’s ambition, saying the group decided to part ways with the administration of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke because of what it described as a lack of inclusion in the handling of government affairs.
Oyinlola, who was joined at the event by former Secretary to the State Government, Mr Fatai Akinbade, and former PDP National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, however, stressed that the group was not dumping the PDP.
He said the group adopted Oyebamiji’s candidature after considering the decision necessary and being driven by conviction and a sincere desire for the progress of Osun State.
Speaking on behalf of the leaders and members of the PDP in the state, Oyinlola described the endorsement as a “child of necessity, conviction and sincere desire” to advance the cause of the state in the interest of all.
He maintained that the leadership and members of the group remained resolute to vote massively for Oyebamiji as part of efforts to rescue the state from what he described as the scourge of political nepotism.
“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 believed in that project. We mobilised our people for it. We invested time, energy and political capital in it because we believed that it represented the aspirations of our people.
“But unfortunately, along the line, things began to fall apart, and 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 dear 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,” he said.
Oyinlola, however, insisted that the group remained members of the PDP and would not defect to the APC despite endorsing its candidate.
“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, the former governor 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.
In their separate remarks, Akinbade and Oladipo called on all members of the PDP in the state to vote overwhelmingly for Oyebamiji.
The duo said their decision to pitch their tent with the APC candidate was considered the best option at the moment, stressing that it was not motivated by selfish interests but by what they described as the interest of the state and its citizens.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, expressed delight over the decision taken by the leadership and members of the PDP faction.
Oyetola described former Governor Oyinlola as a grassroots politician and national figure whose political antecedents and track record could not be underestimated.
He called on the people of the state to remain resolute and peaceful, saying, “the victory is ours by the grace of God.”
Responding, Oyebamiji said the support 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 the local government areas in Osun State about three times, and I was warmly received on each occasion.
“Our fathers have backed my ambition. Artisans, business operators, teachers, women, men, children and the elderly have all declared their support for my ambition to become governor.
“Whoever is raising allegations of rigging is expressing fear of defeat that is staring them in the face,” he said.
On the demands made by the Oyinlola-led group, Oyebamiji expressed his readiness to run an inclusive government if elected governor.
“I thank you for the confidence and trust reposed in me. I will stand by your mandate. I will not disappoint you. I will make you proud, and by the grace of God, we shall collectively advance the cause of our state when I become Osun State governor,” he said.