Oyetola, Basiru, Others Pledge to Unseat Adeleke in 2026 as PDP giants Defect
By John Dike
In a significant political move, two influential figures within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun and former gubernatorial aspirant Dotun Babayemi, officially switched allegiance to the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State on Friday.
The defection, accompanied by a multitude of supporters and loyalists, was received with enthusiasm by key APC leaders including the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, Osun Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, and former state governor and incumbent Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.
Explaining his departure from the PDP, Oyedokun, a founding member of the party, lamented the deviation from the founding principles, citing a lack of fairness and inclusivity under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke. Oyedokun asserted that the party had been infiltrated by opportunists, abandoning its tradition of broad participation in decision-making.
Babayemi, echoing similar sentiments, highlighted perceived governance challenges since Oyetola’s departure and pledged his full support to the APC’s bid to reclaim power in Osun State come 2026.
Addressing the newcomers, Basiru emphasized the importance of unity and warned against internal discord, urging all members to rally behind the party’s objectives.
In his remarks, Oyetola rallied APC members, assuring them of a swift return to power in 2026 and emphasizing the need to embrace the defectors as allies rather than strangers.
The defection signals a significant shift in the political landscape of Osun State, setting the stage for heightened competition and strategic maneuvering in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
