OSOGBO, OSUN STATE — A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has maintained that recent defections from the party will not weaken its chances ahead of the August 15 governorship election, insisting that the APC remains a dominant political force in the state.
Oyintiloye made the remark while speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, where he addressed concerns over reported exits of some party members in the build-up to the election. He downplayed the political significance of the defections, describing them as a routine feature of election seasons.
According to him, political realignments and movement of individuals from one party to another are common occurrences in Nigeria’s electoral process and should not be interpreted as a sign of internal weakness or declining popularity.
He argued that the APC structure in Osun remains intact and well-positioned to compete effectively in the forthcoming governorship poll, noting that the party still enjoys strong grassroots support across various local government areas in the state.
Oyintiloye further expressed confidence that the APC would perform strongly at the polls, citing what he described as sustained party organisation, experience, and presence across the state’s political landscape.
He urged party members and supporters to remain focused and united, stressing that internal cohesion would be critical in ensuring electoral success. He also called on party stakeholders to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the August 15 election.
The APC chieftain acknowledged that political contests often come with tensions and shifting alliances but maintained that such developments are not unusual in a competitive democracy.
Political observers in Osun State note that the build-up to the governorship election has been marked by increased political activity, with parties engaging in consultations, rallies, and strategic repositioning ahead of the polls.
Analysts say that while defections can influence electoral dynamics, their impact often depends on the prominence of individuals involved and the strength of party structures at the grassroots level.
Oyintiloye, however, insisted that the APC remains confident of victory, adding that the party is committed to presenting a strong and credible alternative to voters in the state.
He reiterated that the focus should remain on issue-based campaigns rather than internal party movements, urging political actors to prioritize development-oriented discussions as the election approaches.
As the governorship race draws closer, attention continues to build around party strategies, candidate popularity, and voter sentiment across Osun State, with stakeholders closely watching how political developments may shape the outcome of the August 15 election.
