Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, says a decision on the political platform Governor Ademola Adeleke will use for his 2026 re-election bid will be taken immediately after the governor returns from his foreign trip.
Oyinlola, reacting to speculations about parties being considered by Adeleke, said Accord remained a fair and viable option. He, however, added that whether he would defect with the governor depended entirely on the choice of party, stressing that he would not follow Adeleke to any platform that conflicted with his convictions.
Speaking on Oro Oselu, a political programme on Osogbo-based Rave FM on Monday, Oyinlola revealed he had earlier resisted pressure to join the All Progressives Congress even when Adeleke was reportedly considering the party.
“When the governor comes back from his trip this week, we will sit down and decide where we are going, and we will let the Osun people know our choice,” he said.
Oyinlola noted that the protracted crises within the Peoples Democratic Party at the national level could put Adeleke’s nomination at risk, making alternative platforms a consideration as the INEC deadline draws near.
Speaking in Yoruba, he said, “There was a time we met to deliberate if we would be moving to the All Progressives Congress, but I told them that I have been in that party before and I know them very well. I told our people I would not be following them to the APC if that was the option available, and my decision has not changed.
“APC is a party that does not honour promises. I was the secretary of the New PDP when we formed the APC, but what did I get in return despite my efforts? My moving with Adeleke to another party will depend on the party we are joining. If it is a party that I don’t believe in, I will excuse myself.
“If we said we are going to APGA, we would be entering a one-chance. Accord is even fair. I know how the Accord was formed and the founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo. I was part of those who formed the African Democratic Congress, but it did not go as I thought, and there are still some issues there, even though there are now major politicians in the party.”
The PUNCH
