Wole Oke, a member of the House of Representatives representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency, has issued a stark warning to his former party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), predicting a resounding defeat in the upcoming elections within his constituency. Oke, who recently defected from the PDP, attributes his departure and the party’s anticipated downfall to a combination of internal strife, neglect of his constituency, and a lack of competent leadership within the party’s ranks at the state level.
Oke’s primary grievance stems from what he perceives as the PDP’s failure to address critical infrastructural needs within his constituency. He alleges that despite initiating projects during the PDP’s tenure at the federal level, these initiatives have been stalled since the All Progressives Congress (APC) assumed power. This stagnation, coupled with the perceived indifference of Governor Ademola Adeleke towards the constituency’s developmental needs, fueled Oke’s disillusionment with the PDP. He contends that the current PDP officeholders from the two local government areas comprising his constituency lack the political capital and acumen to secure victory for the party in the next election.
Oke’s confidence in the PDP’s impending electoral demise is underscored by his detailed prediction of their performance in various localities within his constituency. He forecasts that the PDP will struggle to garner even a fraction of the total votes in areas like Esa-Oke, Ikeji Arakeji, Owenna, Dagbaja, and Ipetu-Ijesa. His conviction is so strong that he has pledged to quit politics if his predictions prove inaccurate. This bold declaration highlights not only his certainty but also his intimate knowledge of the political dynamics within his constituency, suggesting a deep-rooted disconnect between the PDP and the electorate.
The lawmaker’s departure from the PDP was not a hasty decision. He claims to have consulted extensively with his constituents, gauging their opinions and seeking their approval before making the move. This consultation process, he asserts, reinforced his belief that leaving the PDP was the right course of action. Oke emphasizes his long-standing association with the PDP, having been a foundational member and consistently winning elections under its banner. However, recent appraisals of the party’s state and national trajectory, conducted in consultation with his constituents, led him to the inevitable conclusion that his political future lay elsewhere.
Oke’s criticism of the PDP extends beyond local grievances to encompass the party’s broader performance. He suggests that the party’s current trajectory, both at the state and national levels, is unsustainable and unlikely to resonate with the electorate. This broader critique indicates a deeper concern about the PDP’s overall direction and its ability to effectively address the needs of the people. His defection can be interpreted as a symptom of larger issues plaguing the party, potentially foreshadowing further departures and electoral setbacks.
The political landscape in Osun State is now poised for a significant shift following Oke’s departure from the PDP. The upcoming elections will serve as a litmus test, not only for Oke’s predictions but also for the PDP’s ability to retain its foothold in the face of mounting internal dissent and a seemingly disenchanted electorate. Oke’s departure, coupled with his dire predictions, casts a long shadow over the PDP’s prospects, raising questions about the party’s ability to regroup and regain the trust of the voters in Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency. The electoral outcome will undoubtedly have significant ramifications for the political balance of power in the state and may serve as a bellwether for future elections in the region.
