Osun poll: Adeleke in the eye of storm

That appears to be the end of the story. Since then, Osun political landscape has since shifted. The friends of yesterday are now rivals pushing for the eclipse of the dancer’s era. Having been received into the APC on February 14 at a colourful ceremony in Osogbo, the state capital, they have collectively set out to work.

The question is: who is replacing them in their respective zones as allies of the governor?

Before the lawmakers’ defection, APC had caught another big fish. Prince Dotun Babayemi, a former PDP governorship aspirant, left for the progressive camp with his supporters. In their view, PDP had become a sinking ship. Besides defectors from the PDP, APC has also welcomed back many associates and loyalists of Aregbesola, who had distanced themselves from the APC during the last governorship poll. Although they collaborated with the Adeleke to reduce the APC’s electoral prospects at the polls four years ago, they are back to work for the party.

The leader of ‘Blue Movement’ Wale Alabi, had retraced his steps to the APC inJanuary, vowing to  rededicate the group to progressive ideals  in Osun and work for Oyebamiji’s victory. Also, in February, another group from the governor’s stronghold, ditched him for APC. These defections were made possible through the influence of Oyetola, leader of the APC chapter.

To the camp of Adeleke, these defections were insignificant. But, according to analysts,

 the exit of a sixth-term member of the House of Representatives, a two-term senator, and other influential political actors cannot be dismissed with the wave of the hand.

The defectors are not marginalised by the APC, which had put on hold the ward, local government and state congresses to enhance accomodation and harmonisation of party structutures. Therefore, they have expressed confidence that their defection will translate into electoral victories for the party in the 2026 governorship poll  and 2027 general election, without fear of alienation or exclusion later.

During the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, they reiterated that loyalty to the party.

Oyebamiji  commended the defectors for their bold and strategic step to align with the ruling party at the centre.  He said nobody would be excluded from decision-making process, adding that every voice will count  and every contribution would be valued when elected the governor.

Oyetola reiterated that no efforts would be spared to return APC to government on  August 8, urging members to gird their loins.

Oyebamiji said APC should remain united in Osun, adding: “Together in unity and mutual respect, we shall secure victory for the progressives and restore Osun to its rightful place as a beacon of good governance and sustainable development.”

Reflecting on the defection, he said: “Today, our great party, the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, recorded a defining and historic moment as we gave a thunderous reception to distinguished members of the National Assembly and respected grassroots leaders who have chosen to join our progressive family. “Their decision goes beyond a political shift; it reflects the changing political consciousness across our state and reaffirms that the APC remains the most credible platform for stability, structured development, and responsible governance in Osun.

“Their movement into the APC speaks to a deeper reality that governance must be anchored on experience, fiscal discipline, and long-term planning rather than short-term populism.

“At a time when our state requires clarity of direction and administrative competence, this convergence of leaders strengthens our collective capacity to offer a government that prioritises sustainability, inclusiveness, and measurable growth.

“Equally significant was the resounding and unanimous endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for a second term in office. The reforms currently reshaping our national economy demand courage and consistency. Transformational leadership is rarely convenient, but it is necessary.

“Continuity at this moment is critical to consolidating structural corrections, deepening fiscal reforms, and unlocking the long-term prosperity envisioned under the Renewed Hope agenda.”

To Oyebamji, Osun should join forces with the centre to reap the progress that would accrue.  “At its core, this convergence is both symbolic and strategic: a symbol of unity within the progressive family and a clear strategic positioning of Osun within the national reform agenda as we approach the 2026 and 2027 elections.

“My joy knows no bound as we begin the countdown to the emergence of a truly peoples’ government in Osun. A government that will truly represent the people and deliver equitable development across the length and breadth of our dear state,” he stressed.

The standard bearer said the courage that motivated the defection should be sustained. “Your decision to join the progressive fold at this critical moment in the history of our dear state is not only courageous but timely. By your action today, you have demonstrated your true commitment to the good people of Osun. In you, we see again, that nothing is too much to sacrifice for the greater good of our people.

“As we prepare earnestly for the 2026 and 2027 elections, your entry into our party strengthens our collective resolve and broadens the base of experience, influence, and grassroots connection needed to secure victory for the good people of Osun,” he added.

Oyebamiji promised that if rlected, APC would halt the drift to decay in the state.

His words: “Your movement into the APC at this time is a clear demonstration that the progressive vision remains the most viable pathway for development, stability, and prosperity in our dear state.

“At a time when Osun is drifting dangerously toward economic uncertainty, administrative decline and consistent inefficiency, it has become imperative for every well-meaning politician, stakeholder, and patriot to rise above partisan divides and unite under a common purpose to rescue and rebuild our state as the task before us transcends individual ambition; it is about safeguarding the future of our children and restoring responsible governance.”

Oyetola, who applauded the newly defected lawmakers, assured them of warm reception without discrimination. He said they have become respected leaders of the party.

The onus was on the minister to reel out the achievements of the Tinubu administration across the critical sectors.

 Oyetola, who assured Nigerians that more will come their way, called for continued peace, unity and cohesion among party loyalists in the state.

The APC State Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal,  assured the defectors of equal and fair treatment in the fold.

Fadahunsi, who spokecon behalf of the chieftains, declared their readiness to work in unison with every member of the party to deliver Osun for APC and ensure emergence of Oyebamiji and Tinubu at the polls.

At the event were APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Isaacs Kekemeke, Deputy Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, National Treasurer Elder Mathew Uguru, Deputy National Financial Secretary, Ali Kumo, Chairman of Osun Council of Elders Sola Akinwumi, Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, Babayemi, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi; former state and federal lawmakers, and members of APC State Working Committee.