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…As Wole Oke, Fadahunsi, Ajagunla others align with APC
From Ismail Omipidan, Abuja
If the likes of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, Senator Olubiyi Ajagunla, representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Hon. Oluwole Oke, representing Ijesa-North Federal Constituency, Hon. Sanya Omirin, representing Ijesa-South Federal Constituency, and Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro, representing Ife Federal Constituency were still on the side of the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his path to securing a second term in office would arguably have appeared far more certain. In fact, he would have been sleeping with his two eyes closed ahead of the August 2026 election and waiting to be sworn-in in November.
This is because these lawmakers, alongside their armies of supporters, were on hand in 2022 to sway victory in favour of Governor Adeleke, when he contested against the then incumbent, Adegboyega Oyetola. Their grassroots mobilisation and regional influence were widely regarded as key factors in the governor’s electoral success. However, the political landscape in Osun has since shifted. The lawmakers have parted ways with Governor Adeleke and formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). They were officially received into the APC on February 14 at a colourful ceremony in Osogbo, the state capital.
Before the recent defections of the lawmakers, the Osun APC had earlier received Omoba Dotun Babayemi, a 2022 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, along with his supporters, into its ranks. Besides defectors from the PDP, the party has also welcomed back several associates and loyalists of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who had distanced themselves from the APC during the 2022 governorship election, with many of them collaborating with the incumbent to weaken the APC’s electoral prospects at the polls.
Led by Comrade Wale Alabi, the group, known as the ‘Blue Movement’ formally returned to the APC on January 14, 2026, with a commitment to rededicate itself to the ideals of the progressives in Osun, promising to lead the APC’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji to victory, come August 8, 2026.
Exactly one month after that event, yet another group, this time drawn from what many consider the governor’s political stronghold, was welcomed into the APC. Daily Sun gathered that these developments were made possible largely through the influence of former governor, Adegboyega Oyetola. Oyetola, who is the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and has remained the leader of the APC in Osun despite losing the last guber election in the state.
Although Governor Adeleke’s camp has since dismissed the defections of these federal lawmakers from the governor’s former party as “insignificant,” anyone familiar with Osun politics would hesitate to describe the exit of a sixth-term member of the House of Representatives, a two-term senator, and other influential political actors as politically inconsequential, particularly given the dynamic nature the state’s politics.
Regardless, the APC’s new entrants have expressed confidence that their defection will translate into electoral victories for the party in the 2026 governorship and 2027 general elections. They made this known during the official endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term and at the reception organised in their honour to formally welcome them into the APC. The event was held at the popular Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, where the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, commended the defectors for what he described as a bold and strategic step to align with the nation’s ruling party.
Oyebamiji, also declared that no one would be excluded from decision-making process, saying every voice will count, and every contribution would be valued when elected the governor.
This is even as Oyetola, equally reiterated that no efforts would be spared to return APC to government, come August 8th, this year.
Oyebamiji further emphasised the need for continued unity within the APC, noting that “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.”
On how he felt with the latest defection, Oyebamiji 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.
“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.
“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.
“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”, Oyebamiji added.
Speaking earlier, Oyetola, who applauded the newly defected lawmakers, assured them of warm reception without discrimination.
While reeling out some of the achievements of the present administration under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyetola assured Nigerians that more will come their way. He called for continued peace, unity and cohesion among the loyalists of the party in the state.
On his part, the APC State Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, also assured the defectors of equal and fair treatment within its fold.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Senator Fadahunsi 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 in the future elections.
The ceremony was attended by national and state leaders of the party including the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, APC National Vice Chairman, South West, Dr. D.I Kekemeke, APC Deputy Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, APC National Treasurer, Elder Mathew Uguru, APC Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hon. Ali Kumo, Chairman, Osun Council of Elders, Engr. Sola Akinwumi, Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, former APC gubernatorial aspirants; Prince Dotun Babayemi, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi; former members of State and National Assemblies, members of APC State Working Committee, leaders and members of the party across board.
