Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has defended his decision to support the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, instead of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the state’s governorship election.
Oyinlola said his decision followed the prolonged crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, which he believed had weakened the party’s political structure in Osun.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the former governor also faulted Adeleke for allegedly abandoning consultations with party stakeholders before leaving the PDP for the Accord Party.
He explained that party leaders had earlier discussed finding another political platform because of the growing crisis within the PDP at the national level.
According to him, stakeholders expected a meeting with Adeleke after his return from Atlanta, but were surprised when the governor announced his resignation from the PDP and defection to Accord.
Oyinlola further accused the Adeleke administration of concentrating government projects in Ede, the governor’s home town, at the expense of other parts of the state.
He argued that such a pattern of development was inconsistent with the principle of equitable distribution of projects across Osun.
The former governor claimed that of the N362bn reportedly spent on major projects, about N260.5bn was channelled into projects in Ede.
He said, “The founding fathers of Osun State believed in even and balanced development across the state. What we have seen under the present administration is different.”
Oyinlola also dismissed Adeleke’s alleged claim that he personally bought a vehicle for him, explaining that the car was provided under a state law governing benefits for former governors.
He said the legislation entitled former governors to replacement vehicles after every four years, alongside other official privileges.
“It was not Ademola that gave me the vehicle. It was provided by the Osun State Government in line with the law. It is my entitlement as a former governor,” he stated.
Oyinlola said he had no reason to seek favours from Adeleke, noting that he had been able to afford vehicles since he was 21 years old.
He equally accused the state PDP of becoming inactive, claiming that important party meetings were no longer regularly held at its headquarters in Osogbo.
The former governor said political discussions had allegedly become centred around Ede, making it difficult for party members from other parts of the state to participate effectively.
He maintained that his support for Oyebamiji was not unusual, recalling that he similarly backed former Governor Rauf Aregbesola shortly before an election after his disagreement with the PDP.
Oyinlola said his military background had taught him to carefully evaluate circumstances before reaching important decisions, adding that he was satisfied with his choice to support the APC candidate.