Former Governor of Osun State and ex-National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, says the ruling All Progressives Congress is mounting pressure on Governor Ademola Adeleke to defect, but insists the APC’s unpopularity in the state makes such a move politically dangerous.
Oyinlola, who spoke on Arise News’ Prime News on Thursday, described the development as a recurring tactic by the ruling party to lure elected officers into switching allegiance.
“It feels horrible, I would say, but the fact is that there is always enormous pressure from the ruling party on all the elected officers, and that’s what is producing this defection on them,” Oyinlola said.
He, however, noted that Governor Adeleke has resisted the pressure due to the APC’s poor standing with the people of Osun State, warning that defecting would be a fatal political error.
“Why my governor has not gone was just because it would be a dilemma. APC has not fared well with the people of Osun State, and I can say that. Telling him to roll over to APC will mean ruining his political career because the people will not go along with that. He knows it,” he added.
Oyinlola also dismissed any suggestion that he could be tempted into defection, describing himself as “a battle-tested general,” citing his experience as a former military administrator, a civilian governor and PDP national secretary.
“No amount of pressure will shake me off my post,” he affirmed.
