By Ismail Azeez
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State has received 232 members of the Accord Party who defected to the progressive party in Erin-Osun and Ilobu.
The defectors attributed their decision to leave the Accord Party to what they described as the failure of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration and the ruling party to fulfill key campaign promises, particularly those affecting youths and women.
They noted that their confidence in the APC and its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), informed their decision to cross over to the opposition party.
Receiving the defectors into the APC, the former Managing Director of Osun State Investment Company Limited (OSICOL), Dr. Tunde Faleye; former Special Adviser on Environment and Sanitation to the erstwhile Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Hon. Rufus Oyegbile; and the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area, Hon. Adegoke Ogunsola, stated that the growing wave of defections across Osun State reflects increasing public confidence in Oyebamiji.
They maintained that residents are aligning with the APC because they believe Oyebamiji possesses the experience, competence, and vision required to provide purposeful leadership and move the state to greater heights.
Oyegbile, who described Irepodun as a traditionally progressive council, warmly welcomed the decampees by telling them they had arrived in El Dorado. Dr. Faleye, who represented the APC governorship candidate at the event, added that people are trooping from the Accord Party to the APC because they recognize a candidate who truly embodies what a political party should stand for.
He stated that the continuous wave of defections is a clear indication that Oyebamiji will emerge victorious in the August 15 governorship election, contrasting the APC’s clear direction with the current administration in Osun, where he claimed everything revolves around a single individual and family.
Hon. Ogunsola hailed the decision of the defectors to join the winning team, asserting that the APC is resolute in its determination to wrestle power from the incumbent government through massive grassroots mobilization.
Corroborating this sentiment, the Chairman of Irepodun LCDA, Hon. Adekunle Oloyede, expressed absolute confidence that the party will secure victory across all eleven wards of Irepodun Local Government Area following the intake of the 232 new members from Erin-Osun and Ilobu.
He specifically commended the leaders of the two defecting groups, “Fresh Money” and “Mama Arije,” for strengthening the party’s ranks.
Explaining the move, the President of the Fresh Money Foundation, Muhammed Korede, attributed the defection to the failure of the Accord Party to fulfill its campaign promises to the youth of Osun State.
He explained that members of his foundation decided to join the APC and mobilize support for Oyebamiji due to the party’s concrete agenda and commitment to youth development.
Speaking on behalf of the female defectors across the wards, Mrs. Folashade Arije also commended members of her group for taking what she described as a right step in the right direction.
The event was attended by prominent party stakeholders, including Hon. Olaide Mustapha, Comrade Mudasiru Anisere, Irepodun LCDA Party Chairman, Irepodun LG Woman Leader Mrs. Yusuf Bola, Dr. Tunde Adejumo, Hon. Adeola Olayiwola, various ward councillors, Hon. Niyi Fasemojo, and Hon. Niyi Ogunlola, alongside numerous APC leaders and members.