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.

Ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, has said that the presidency of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is synonymous to Fulani presidency.

Lawal, who recently resigned from the ADC over an allegation of flawed primary election, stated this in a post on his Facebook page late Saturday.

He said his first post on Atiku, who he described as ‘Kachalla’, has made almost the whole of Nigeria’s Fulani race to descend on him with all manner of insults and threats.

“Atiku’s presidency will be synonymous to a Fulani presidency even as Bola Tinubu’s presidency is synonymous to a Yoruba presidency and the Yorubas are proud of him no doubt.

“The vile propaganda, insults and threats that the Atiku’s goons and social media bandits have been churning out on me because as they claim, I have insulted the whole Fulani race in pointing out his fallibility.

“Well, if pointing out the danger an Atiku’s presidency will pose to the country amounts to insulting the whole Fulani race, and if that is how the Fulani race chooses to see it, so be it. It is a free world,” Lawal said.

Public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has raised concerns over what he described as growing political desperation among politicians following the conclusion of party primary elections in Nigeria.
Shehu, in a post shared on X on Saturday, criticised the conduct of political parties, alleging lack of transparency and rising tension among party members.

According to him, although party primaries have been concluded, many parties are yet to release their final lists of candidates, a situation he described as suspicious.

“All parties’ primary elections are over, yet the final lists are being withheld and treated as if they are in a casino room,” he said.

He noted that reactions, disputes, and rejections trailing the primaries show that many politicians are still struggling to understand democratic processes even after years of civilian rule.

“Even after 25 uninterrupted years of democratic governance, politicians in Nigeria are still learning the ropes,” he added.

Shehu also pointed to what he described as increasing desperation for political power, saying some politicians are willing to switch parties or form unlikely alliances just to secure tickets.

“Extreme desperation for power at all cost is increasing, judging by the behaviour of party members after losing tickets,” he said.

He further observed that politicians who once criticised certain parties are now moving to those same platforms in search of opportunities.

“Some characters are moving from one political party to another looking for cheap tickets, including parties they once demonised,” he stated.

He added that former political rivals are now forming alliances out of convenience, describing them as strange bedfellows driven by the desire for power.

Shehu warned that the real consequences of the current political developments would become clearer as the election period progresses.

“The realities will manifest before, during and after the general elections,” he said.

“Democracy is in visible danger with the way politicians are displaying dangerous desperation,” he warned.

He concluded by noting that while the current situation may seem uncertain, time will reveal its full impact on the county’s political landscape.