Wole Oke, a member of the House of Representatives representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, has expressed unwavering confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s ability to secure a decisive victory in the upcoming 2026 Osun State gubernatorial election. Oke, who recently switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, also extended this assurance to President Bola Tinubu, predicting a resounding triumph for the APC in the state during the 2027 general elections. He boldly declared that Osun State is firmly within President Tinubu’s grasp and anticipates delivering a staggering one million votes for the President in the general elections.
Oke’s defection to the APC marks a significant political realignment in Osun State, reflecting the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics. His departure from the PDP, the party that currently holds the governorship, underscores a growing sentiment within the state’s political landscape, suggesting a shift in support towards the APC. This shift is further fueled by Oke’s public apology to Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former governor of Osun State, for opposing his re-election bid in 2022. Oke’s apology, framed symbolically as recognizing the “better wife” after trying “two wives,” highlights the perceived shortcomings of the current PDP administration and the growing nostalgia for Oyetola’s tenure.
Oke’s confidence in the APC’s prospects stems from a critical assessment of the current political climate in Osun State. He contends that the PDP’s victory in the 2022 gubernatorial election was marginal, achieved by a slender margin of 28,000 votes. He views this narrow victory as a reflection of the electorate’s indecisiveness rather than a resounding endorsement of the PDP’s policies. Coupled with his critique of the incumbent administration’s performance, Oke believes the APC has a strong foundation to build upon in the lead-up to the 2026 elections. He projects an APC victory with a margin exceeding 45,000 votes, effectively reversing the PDP’s previous narrow win and solidifying the APC’s dominance in the state.
Central to Oke’s argument is his critique of the current state of governance in Osun. He paints a bleak picture of the state’s affairs under the PDP leadership, claiming that the situation has deteriorated significantly since Oyetola left office. He contrasts the perceived mismanagement of the current administration with Oyetola’s prudent fiscal management, emphasizing that Oyetola governed without incurring any debt, despite facing significant challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and limited revenue. He further highlights the substantial increase in state revenue under the current administration, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidies, arguing that despite having access to significantly more resources, the current government’s performance pales in comparison to Oyetola’s.
Oke’s assertions regarding the financial management of the previous and current administrations underscore a key line of attack against the incumbent PDP government. He attempts to establish a narrative of fiscal irresponsibility, contrasting it with Oyetola’s perceived prudence. This narrative seeks to resonate with voters concerned about the state’s economic well-being and the allocation of public resources. By highlighting the increased revenue available to the current government, Oke aims to amplify the perceived failures of the administration, suggesting a lack of effective utilization of public funds.
Furthermore, Oke emphasizes the strategic appointments of Osun indigenes to prominent national roles, attributing these appointments to the influence of President Tinubu and Minister Oyetola. This highlighting of federal appointments serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it reinforces the perception of Osun State’s growing political relevance at the national level under the APC’s leadership. Secondly, it positions Tinubu and Oyetola as key figures championing the interests of Osun State within the federal government. This strategic narrative seeks to garner support for the APC by emphasizing the party’s ability to deliver tangible benefits to the state through its influence at the national level. By linking these appointments to Tinubu and Oyetola, Oke subtly positions them as instrumental figures in securing Osun’s political future.
