From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Osun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that the resignation of Hon. Oluwole Oke, a six-term House of Representatives member, was expected due to his fear of losing an automatic ticket for the 2027 elections.
PDP’s Director of Media and Publicity, Oladele Olabimiji, said Oke, who represented Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, left after realising that emerging contenders within the party threatened his long-standing dominance.
Olabimiji stated, “It was an expected occurrence. Anyone following Honourable Wole Oke in the same category of internal politics in Osun State would agree that perhaps because of fear of the unknown, as someone who is perpetually interested in going back to the National Assembly, where he served, that anyone coming up against him is a threat.”
Olabimiji noted that Oke had benefited from uncontested nominations but faced new dynamics since the PDP’s 2022 victory in Osun.
He said, “What we have seen so far in the characteristic posture of Honourable Wole Oke, I believe that he has enjoyed what I can call freebies so far, such that we will not want anyone to contest against him at any point in time.”
He added that Oke’s attempts to pressure the party failed as it upheld democratic principles, stating, “So, for us, it is because of the fear of the unknown. That is why he felt that perhaps because he felt the party was not also relenting on the democratic ethos of the party.”