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Mass Defections Rock APC in Osun Ahead of Gubernatorial Election

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the July 16 gubernatorial election in Osun state approaches, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is experiencing a massive wave of defections to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The influx of APC members to PDP comes after a series of protests over the controversial State and National Assembly primary elections. Former APC stalwarts, including Mr. Kolapo Alimi, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola's administration, have announced their defection to PDP.

Mr. Alimi, who was the Secretary of The Osun Progressives (TOP), a caucus of the APC, was appointed Deputy Director-General of Sen. Ademola Adeleke's Campaign Organisation upon his defection. He accused Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of sidelining those who worked for his victory in 2018. Other notable APC members, including Lekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Ajagungbade Emir, and former Chairmen of the APC in Ife East and Ife Central local governments, Hon. Kayode Ogundele and Adeleke Enitilo, also defected to PDP.

Key Takeaways:

  • The APC is experiencing a massive wave of defections to the PDP in Osun state ahead of the gubernatorial election.
  • Notable APC members, including Mr. Kolapo Alimi and Lekan Oyeyemi, have defected to PDP, citing reasons such as arrogance and non-challant attitude of the APC government towards the plight of youths in the state.
  • Former Chairmen of the APC in Ife East and Ife Central local governments, Hon. Kayode Ogundele and Adeleke Enitilo, also defected to PDP, accusing APC leadership of injustice against them in the primary elections.
  • More defections are likely in the coming weeks, with APC members feeling cheated in the last primaries planning to join the opposition party.
  • The defections could have disastrous consequences for the incumbent governor, Sen. Adegboyega Oyetola, if the APC leadership fails to act fast.

Statistics:

  • 7 APC members have defected to PDP in Osun state, including Mr. Kolapo Alimi, Lekan Oyeyemi, and Hon. Kayode Ogundele.
  • The defections are likely to affect 10 local governments in the state, including Osogbo, Olorunda, Iwo, Egbedore, Ede, Ila, Irepodun, Ife Central, and Ife East.
  • The APC primary elections had a high level of controversy, with allegations of manipulation and imposition of candidates.
  • The PDP is positioning itself as a viable alternative to the APC in Osun state, with several high-profile defections and a strong grassroots presence.

Sources:

  • OSUN DEFENDER
  • Ademola Adeleke Campaign Organisation
  • Prof Wale Oladipo
  • The Osun Progressives (TOP)
  • APC (no date mentioned)

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