Osun Guber Poll: Defections no threat to APC victory – Oyintiloye

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said that recent defections by some party members will not weaken its structure, popularity, or electoral prospects ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye described the development as a regular feature of politics especially during an electioneering period.

He insisted the defections pose no threat to the APC’s readiness and determination to reclaim power in the state.

He maintained that the APC remains the most formidable political force in Osun, with an extensive grassroots structure spanning all wards, polling units, communities, and local government areas.

“The APC in Osun is bigger than any individual or group of individuals. Our party is built on a solid foundation that has endured for decades. We have a resilient structure, loyal membership, and an ever-expanding support base across the state.

“Those who think the APC has been weakened by the exit of a few members are completely out of touch with the realities on the ground. The strength of our party resides in the people, and the people remain firmly with the APC,” he said.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, added that the emergence of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) as the party’s governorship candidate has significantly boosted the morale of members and generated enthusiasm among the electorate.

According to him, Oyebamiji’s widespread acceptability, competence, humility, accessibility, and experience in public service have positioned him as the preferred choice of many voters.

“There is no community in Osun State today where the AMBO movement is not gaining momentum. The support he enjoys cuts across political affiliations, religious divides, age groups, and professional backgrounds. His popularity is organic and continues to grow daily.

“The truth is that no other candidate in the race currently commands the level of goodwill, credibility, acceptability, and political momentum that AMBO enjoys across the state. The people have identified with his vision, and they are eager to entrust him with the responsibility of leading Osun to greater heights,” he said.

The APC stalwart noted that the party remains focused and undistracted by recent political developments, adding that ongoing consultations, stakeholder engagements, reconciliation efforts, and grassroots mobilisation have strengthened internal cohesion.

He urged party leaders, elected officials, stakeholders, and members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation, emphasising that victory would be achieved through collective commitment and hard work.

“This is not the time for distractions or pessimism. It is the time for greater unity, deeper engagement with the people, and stronger mobilisation across our communities. Our structures are intact, our supporters are energised, and our candidate enjoys overwhelming acceptance.

“We are confident, we are prepared, and we are fully positioned for victory. The APC remains the party to beat in Osun State, and by the grace of God and the support of the good people of Osun, we shall emerge victorious on August 15, 2026,” he said.

Oyintiloye also called on party faithful to remain steadfast and committed, assuring them that the APC is on course to reclaim the state’s leadership and usher in a new era of responsible and people-oriented governance.

He appealed to the party’s leadership in the state to sustain efforts at unity for the overall benefit of the APC.

Oyintiloye also urged the party’s leadership to investigate the grievances of some members and take steps to prevent further defections, stressing that every member is important and has a role to play in the party’s victory at the polls.