A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State led by former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola has declared its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The group announced its decision on Sunday, August 9, saying it was backing Oyebamiji in the interest of the state despite its members’ continued affiliation with the PDP.
Speaking on behalf of the group, former Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Adejare Bello said political party loyalty should not override what he described as the broader interests of the people.
He said the group had therefore resolved to support Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, who is contesting the governorship election on the APC platform.
“Party loyalty is important, but the interest of Osun State must always come first,” Bello said, according to reports of the declaration.
The endorsement represents a significant development in the final days of campaigning for the election, particularly against the backdrop of divisions within the Osun PDP.
Oyebamiji, while responding to the endorsement, said the backing from Oyinlola and other political stakeholders had strengthened his campaign and expressed confidence that it would contribute to an APC victory.
He also pledged to run an inclusive administration if elected, saying he was prepared to accommodate the interests and concerns raised by members of the Oyinlola-led group.
The APC candidate is seeking to unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15 poll. The election features candidates from several political parties, with Oyebamiji emerging as the APC standard-bearer.
The latest endorsement comes after months of political realignments in Osun ahead of the governorship contest. Earlier reports had indicated disagreements within the PDP, including moves by different factions and political blocs to align with alternative candidates.
Oyinlola, a former governor of Osun and prominent PDP figure, has remained an influential political figure in the state. His faction’s decision to back the APC candidate could therefore add another layer to the already competitive contest.
The endorsement, however, does not automatically translate into votes for Oyebamiji, as individual voters will ultimately determine the outcome of the election.
With the poll only days away, the major candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns and mobilisation efforts as they seek to secure support across the state’s 30 local government areas.
