A former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has accused President Bola Tinubu of being the unseen force behind the internal crises rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that the situation is being manipulated to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.
Oyinlola also dismissed speculation that he would follow Governor Ademola Adeleke, who recently defected from the PDP to the Accord Party ahead of the August 8, 2026, governorship election in Osun State.
The former governor spoke on Thursday during the second matriculation ceremony of the Alolade Oyinlola College of Health Sciences and Information Technology, Okuku, where about 90 students were formally admitted into the institution.
Speaking candidly, Oyinlola said he remained committed to the PDP and would only leave the party if it ceased to exist.
“I won’t leave PDP unless it goes into extinction. I am not following Demola to Accord Party. At my age, I can’t be pushed around. I am gradually leaving active politics. I will be 75 by February next year,” he said.
The former military administrator of Lagos State alleged that President Tinubu was deliberately fuelling divisions within the PDP to ease his path to a second term in office.
“The problem would have been solved but for the interference of Tinubu. He sees PDP as a major challenge to his 2027 ambition. He doesn’t want to run; he wants to walk into the Villa,” Oyinlola alleged.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesman, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
Beyond politics, Oyinlola, who is the proprietor of the institution, addressed the newly matriculated students, reaffirming the college’s commitment to delivering nationally and globally relevant education in health sciences and information technology.
He urged the students to remain focused, take their studies seriously and cultivate strong relationships with their lecturers and peers.
“This institution is built on the core belief that quality health education and sound information management are essential pillars for sustainable development in Nigeria.
“Our programmes are designed not only to equip you with technical knowledge and professional competence, but also to instil values of integrity, compassion, responsibility and leadership. These qualities are indispensable in sectors where people’s lives and futures depend on your expertise and character,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution, Prof. Sola Akinrinade, represented by Dr B. O. Oginni, praised the proprietor for investing in qualified personnel and creating a conducive learning environment.
He cautioned students against actions capable of damaging the image of the institution, particularly on social media.
“Do not use social media to demarket your college. Whenever the image of the college is presented negatively online, you are also affected. When you observe any unexpected situation, report it to the authorities,” he advised.
