The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has claimed that House of Representatives member, Oluwole Oke, left the party and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) because Governor Ademola Adeleke refused to give him an automatic ticket for the next election.
This comes after both Oke and former Senator Felix Ogunwale left the PDP.
However, the party insists their exits are insignificant and have not affected its strength or unity.
In a statement by the party’s media director, Hezekiah Olabamiji, the PDP said neither Oke nor Ogunwale contributed meaningfully to its recent electoral victories.
Olabamiji also accused Oke of avoiding a proper primary election because he feared losing and wanted to be automatically nominated by the governor.
He praised Adeleke for being democratic and not bowing to pressure.
According to the PDP, even Oke’s own aides and allies did not follow him to the APC, which suggests he doesn’t have the strong support he claims.
On Ogunwale’s defection, the party said he was never a key player in their success, especially since he comes from Iragbiji , the hometown of former governor Oyetola.
Despite the defections, the PDP says it remains popular and united under Adeleke’s leadership, while claiming that the APC has lost over 45% of its members in the state.
Oluwole Oke, who represents Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, said he made the move after consulting with family and political associates, describing it as a step to align with the needs of his constituents.
