Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, asserted on Friday in Osogbo that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State had experienced a significant decline due to recent defections. Oyetola, the former governor of the state, made these remarks at a rally held to welcome PDP ex-National Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, and former governorship aspirant, Mr Dotun Babayemi, along with their supporters into the APC fold. He expressed optimism about APC’s chances in the upcoming governorship election, citing the defections as evidence of growing support for the party.
Oyetola emphasized that the influx of members from the PDP into the APC signaled a shift in political dynamics in Osun State. He highlighted the party’s track record in governance, attributing its appeal to the leadership style exemplified by figures like President Tinubu and APC governors across various states. Oyetola welcomed the new members, viewing their defections as a testament to APC’s strength and the diminishing influence of the PDP in the state.
In his address, Babayemi criticized the current administration in Osun, alleging a decline in governance since Oyetola’s tenure ended. He called for unity to remove the present governor, Ademola Adeleke, from office, citing concerns over the state’s development.
Responding to the defections, Osun PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, dismissed them as a strategic move by the APC to bolster its standing in the state. Bisi urged Osun residents not to be swayed by the defections, characterizing them as a theatrical display orchestrated by individuals with questionable motives. He reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to the state’s welfare and highlighted the party’s efforts to counter the narrative propagated by the APC.
