Former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola has defended his decision to support APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji ahead of Saturday’s election, insisting that he has “no regrets whatsoever” about the move.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oyinlola explained that his decision followed disagreements over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party and what he described as uneven distribution of government projects across the state.
Oyinlola said PDP stakeholders had been discussing an alternative platform before Adeleke allegedly left the party without the expected consultation.
“Surprisingly, that did not come up. We only just saw on social media that Mr Governor had resigned from our party and he had ported to the Accord Party.”
Oyinlola criticises Adeleke’s project distribution
The former governor also accused Adeleke’s administration of concentrating major projects in his home area of Ede.
He argued that Osun’s founding development philosophy was based on balanced development across the state and said government projects should be distributed fairly among the senatorial districts.
“When you skew things in preference to your own area it does not augur well.”
Oyinlola also criticised the governor for what he described as the weakening of the PDP’s structure, saying important party meetings were no longer being held at the party headquarters in Osogbo.
‘The vehicle was my entitlement’
The former governor again rejected Adeleke’s claim that he bought him a vehicle.
Oyinlola explained that the vehicle was provided by the Osun State Government under a law granting certain benefits to former governors.
“It wasn’t Ademola that gave me the vehicle. It was the Osun State Government.”
He said the law also provides for other benefits, including security personnel, drivers and a cook.
Oyinlola maintained that he did not approach Adeleke to beg for a vehicle and insisted that he was still entitled to three more vehicles under the arrangement.
“It is my entitlement and he still owes me three more vehicles.”
Oyinlola says his decision has precedent
Addressing whether supporting an APC candidate contradicted his political principles, Oyinlola recalled his decision to support former governor Rauf Aregbesola shortly before an earlier election.
He said his political decisions are based on careful assessment rather than emotion, drawing from his three decades of military service.
“I think I have done that. I have no regrets whatsoever.”
The former governor is now backing Oyebamiji as the two major political camps prepare for Saturday’s Osun governorship election.
Source: Channels Television’s Politics Today; statements by Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
