Mass Defections from APC to PDP Continues in Osun, APC Insiders Give Reasons

By Tope Odediran

There is a major change happening in the political scene in Osun State as many APC members are switching to the ruling PDP. This surge of resignations, affecting different local administrations in the state, highlights increasing dissatisfaction with the APC’s management and a growing appreciation for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s governance.

In the last two weeks alone, such mass defection from APC to PDP has occurred in six local governments with eight other local governments said to be in the pipeline.

What makes the change of party a unique occurrence was that the defectors are not members of Aregbesola’s faction of the APC. They are APC men and women who belonged to the Oyetola faction of the party.

A party source at the APC Secretariat at Osogbo confessed that all is not well across the local government chapters of the party, citing what he called “ high level of disillusionment among members about the future of APC in Osun state.

“ Many factors are responsible for this negative trend. We as a party still suffer from the pre-election division between our two former Governors. This has really destroyed any internal unity within the party.

“Secondly, the Ilerioluwa group faces a crisis of confidence. That Ade dancer is seen by people to be performing. We have not designed what strategy to use to counter him.

“Even our own members challenged us. The public are seen.what the Ede man is doing. Our little efforts to fight him always backfire. I must confess that we are at a crossroads.

“ The other reason is even more serious. Our government at the centre is not doing well. Cost of living is biting hard. How do you Market APC in such situations?

“ So on the issue of defection, it is a source of worry. And to make matters worse, those people we got from PDP are problematic for us. Our members are cursing Peter Power who just returned. Others are making jest for Superkay. Our members think they are lightweight. So really we are worried:, the.party chief who is believed to be very useful to the APC National Secretary noted.

Another party source at Ile Ife told our reporters that “ the infighting over 2026 ticket is the main source”, adding that “many members don’t want Oyetola because he is being imposed on us.

“ So many people adopt the siddon look while others choose to quit the party. You are likely to see more defectors going to the ruling party in the state. The APC in Osun hermoraghing. Our party is bleeding almost to death”, the partyman lamented.

A review of the pattern of defections showed that the problem with APC extended to the grassroots across the local governments in the state.

In Iwo Local Government, the act of switching political alliances signified a major change in the political landscape. On Thursday, a large number of APC members, with important local leaders among them, publicly rejected their membership with the APC and promised their loyalty to the PDP. Hon. Sunday Bisi, the PDP State Chairman, attended the event at Ansar-ul Deen Primary School in Araromi, Iwo, and gave a warm welcome to the new members.

Notable defectors included the APC’s Public Relations Officer in Iwo, Hon. Mutiu Akintayo, as well as Youth Leader Hon. Bamidele Aderemi (also known as Alonso), and Women Leader Hon. Odelade Tawakalitu. The departure of them, along with hundreds of others, is considered a major setback for the APC’s local support in the area.

In his speech, Hon. Bisi stressed the importance of inclusivity within the PDP, guaranteeing new members equal rights and privileges as existing members. He credited the increase in defections to Governor Adeleke’s effective performance, which has strongly connected with the local population.

Hon. Mutiu Akintayo, representing the defectors, commended the governor’s focus on the general public’s needs and showed their willingness to participate in the state’s continuous progress. He also praised the way Hon. Mudashiru Lukman represented, highlighting it as a reason for their choice to join the PDP.

A comparable situation occurred in Ife North Local Government, with the “G4” group, consisting of prominent APC officials and their supporters, shifting in large numbers to the PDP. The abandonment, occurring at the Ipetumodu Market Square, showcased increasing disappointment with the APC’s management.

Under the leadership of Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Olayiwola, former Vice Chairman of Ife North main council, the defectors pointed out “ineffective leadership” and a lack of guidance in the APC as their motives for switching sides. Speaking to a big audience, Hon. Olayiwola praised the decision as a positive move and applauded Governor Adeleke’s administration for its progress in the state.

Top PDP leaders, such as the Osun State Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Akinyode Oyewusi, and Special Adviser Hon. Moji Omisore was present at the event. The decision of the defectors was lauded by Rt. Hon. Oyewusi was a pivotal move towards the communal progress of Ife North. Hon. Sunday Bisi restated the PDP’s dedication to inclusivity and advancement, ensuring new members that their interests will be protected in the party.

In Ifedayo Local Government, there was a continued wave of defections as important APC members and their supporters switched to the PDP, labeling their old party as a “failed party.” Under the leadership of Hon. Olagoke Afolayan and Hon. Goke Olaoye, the defectors mentioned Governor Adeleke’s progressive plans as a key factor in their decision to switch sides.

The defectors praised the governor’s initiatives to develop the state and highlighted their eagerness to participate in the continuing improvements. The increasing number of new members joining the PDP in Ifedayo is viewed as additional proof of the increasing support for Governor Adeleke’s government.

Former Ife East Local Government Chairman, Hon. Oluomo Gbenga Owolabi, has joined the PDP after leaving the APC. His departure is seen as a major approval of Governor Adeleke’s leadership and mirrors a wider pattern of political restructuring in the state.

The PDP party leaders gave a warm reception to Hon. Owolabi joined their party, stating that the PDP has a large “umbrella” to include all individuals. The departure of such a prominent individual is expected to bolster the PDP’s grip on Ife East and its adjacent areas.

More and more politicians in Osun State are shifting their allegiance from the APC to the PDP, indicating a rise in backing for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership. With both top leaders and grassroots followers changing their allegiance, the PDP is predicted to increase its power in the state. These departures show a general discontent with the APC’s leadership and a preference for a more progressive and inclusive government led by the PDP.

The changing political situation in Osun State suggests a possible reorganization of authority that could have a significant effect on the state’s prospects. The leadership of Governor Adeleke has strategically placed the PDP to take advantage of its current momentum and strengthen its position as the dominant party in Osun State.