By John Dike, Osogbo
Political campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State gathered momentum on Tuesday as both the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) announced fresh defections from each other’s ranks in separate parts of the state.
The development underscores the increasing political realignments as parties intensify efforts to strengthen their support base ahead of the governorship poll.
At the Accord Party campaign rally in Iragbiji, the headquarters of Boripe Local Government Area, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s campaign announced the defection of no fewer than 1,000 members of the APC into the party.
The defectors, led by Alhaji Kareem Afolabi, were formally received before party supporters and leaders at the rally.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Adeleke assured residents that his administration would sustain and expand infrastructure development across Boripe Local Government if re-elected
According to the governor, his administration has completed five road projects in Iragbiji and would embark on additional projects after the election.
“I love Iragbiji. I have commissioned roads here today, and we have constructed five roads in the town. You have not seen anything yet; we are going to do more. By the grace of God, after August 15, all the good works we have started will continue. Vote Accord for continuity of development,” Adeleke said.
Also speaking, Osun State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Sunday Bisi, described the turnout at the rally as evidence of increasing support for Governor Adeleke and the Accord Party.
He said the defection of over 1,000 APC members further strengthened the party’s chances ahead of the election.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Alhaji Kareem Afolabi said they decided to leave the APC because they believed in Governor Adeleke’s leadership and what they described as the developmental achievements of his administration.
“We have dumped the APC to join Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Accord Party, and we will not return to what we consider darkness. We believe this party will protect the interests of its members and ensure everyone enjoys the dividends of democracy,” Afolabi said.
Earlier, the Boripe Local Government Imole Campaign Council commended Adeleke’s administration for its people-oriented policies, infrastructure development, improved workers’ welfare, healthcare, education and inclusive governance.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Alhaji Abayomi Adegoke, the council reaffirmed its support for the governor and expressed confidence that Boripe Local Government would deliver victory for the Accord Party in the August 15 governorship election.
Meanwhile, in Olorunda Local Government Area, the APC announced that over 150 members of the Accord Party in Ilie, Ward 11, had defected to its fold in support of the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
The defectors were received at the APC Ward 11 Secretariat in Ilie by party leaders.
Speaking during the reception, the Chairperson of Olorunda Area Council and APC leader in Ilie, Hon. Felicia Omolaoye, described the development as evidence of growing acceptance of Oyebamiji’s candidacy.
She said the reception accorded the former Accord Party youth leader and other defectors reflected their confidence in the APC candidate’s leadership qualities.
“The defection of members of the opposition to the APC is a clear indication that Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, AMBO, is God’s project, and we believe he will emerge victorious in the August 15 governorship election,” she said.
Also addressing party members, the Chairman of Olorunda Local Government Area, Hon. Kunle Kudayisi, expressed confidence that the APC would record victory in the election, describing the defections as a sign of the party’s growing popularity across the state.
He urged supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the campaign period.
Former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Rasaki Adeosun, also described the defections as a positive development for the APC.
He saud the new members cited the need for a change in government and their confidence in the party’s governorship candidate as reasons for joining.
With just weeks to the governorship election, both the Accord Party and the APC continue to use defections and campaign rallies to project growing public support as political activities intensify across Osun State.
