Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has alleged that the Presidency is making moves to persuade Governor Ademola Adeleke to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such a decision could backfire politically.
Speaking during a live radio programme Frontline on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, on Tuesday, Oyinlola said the Presidency has been holding discussions with Governor Adeleke aimed at luring him into the APC fold.
“It is obvious that there has been discussion from the Presidency together with the governor. The Presidency is desirous of having him swing over,” the elder statesman said.
Oyinlola described the move as part of a broader national strategy to weaken opposition strongholds by applying pressure on sitting governors across party lines.
According to him, “It is an open secret that many governors are under pressure for them to join the ruling party.”
He criticised the method as undemocratic, saying what is playing out in Osun State is a classic case of political coercion.
“What is playing in Osun today is a matter of ‘might is right’. It is a matter of, ‘I’m here and I’ll do what I think is right,’” he added.
While reacting to the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for re-election by the Osun PDP, Oyinlola clarified that the endorsement was more of a tactical political move than a sign of support or alignment. He dissociated himself from the endorsement, noting that it did not reflect the will of the people.
He further warned Governor Adeleke to consider the political reality on ground, saying the APC lacks the popularity needed to win elections in Osun.
“APC is not popular in Osun State. So, if he rolls over and the people rule him out, that’s double jeopardy. He is in serious dilemma and I really pity him,” Oyinlola said.
He urged the governor to focus on the welfare of his people rather than yielding to political pressure. “If I were the one, I’d go and beg Mr President, on behalf of my own people, to give us our funds,” he said, referring to the ongoing controversy surrounding local government allocations.
Oyinlola, who played a role in the 2013 merger that formed the APC, insisted he has no reason to return to the party, lamenting what he called the failed promises of the current administration.
