Oyebamiji secures key PDP defections, strengthening APC’s position ahead of 2026 Osun governorship election
Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate for Osun State, welcomed five defecting federal lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party in Osogbo on Saturday, February 15, 2026, in a high-profile reception aimed at consolidating party support ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
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The defecting lawmakers are Senator Francis Fadahunsi representing Osun East, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi of Osun Central, Wole Oke and Omirin Olusanya of Ijesa North Federal Constituency, and Taofeek Ajilesoro of Ife Federal Constituency.
The reception also featured an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
Addressing party members, Oyebamiji described the defections as courageous and timely, emphasising the need for unity to address what he called maladministration, inefficiency, and economic uncertainty under Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.
“At a time when Osun faces persistent inefficiency, it is imperative for well-meaning politicians to rise above partisan divides and unite to rescue and rebuild our state,” Oyebamiji said.
The APC candidate assured the new members of inclusivity within the party, adding that “the APC in Osun is one big family. Every voice will count, and every contribution will be valued. Together, we shall secure victory and restore Osun as a beacon of good governance and sustainable development.”
APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru highlighted the achievements of the Tinubu administration, including increased revenue allocations to states and local governments, while reiterating the party’s determination to win both the August 8, 2026, governorship election and the 2027 presidential election.
Senator Fadahunsi, speaking on behalf of the defecting lawmakers, pledged to mobilise support for the APC.
“By August 8, 2026, we will work tirelessly to ensure the election of Asiwaju Oyebamiji as governor, and in February 2027, the re-election of President Tinubu,” he said.
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The reception drew thousands of party supporters and signalled a significant boost to the APC’s grassroots strategy, reinforcing the party’s position ahead of critical elections in Osun State.
