A statement by an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Olubunmi Obeisun, vowing to rig the Obokun-Oriade Federal Constituency election in 2027 has sparked widespread reactions across Osun State. Obeisun, who serves as the Chairman of Oriade Local Government Area in Osun State and is a close ally of long-standing federal lawmaker Wole Oke, made the controversial remarks on Saturday during an APC event held in the constituency.
Details of the Statement
Addressing APC members in the Yoruba language, Obeisun declared, “The Ijebu-Jesa people worked against us and now they want to contest an election but we will also work against them. You can quote me anywhere, I Ezekiel Olubunmi Obeisun. If they win, I will rig it.” The statement was captured on video and subsequently shared on Facebook by Oke, who has represented the Obokun-Oriade Constituency in the House of Representatives for the past 24 years.
Accord Party's Condemnation
Reacting to the development, Accord Party chieftain Pelumi Olajengbesi strongly condemned Obeisun's remarks as anti-democratic. Olajengbesi, who also serves as the spokesman for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s campaign council, stated, “I have just seen the video of APC’s Olubunmi Obeisun vowing to rig the 2027 House of Representatives poll for Wole Oke and the APC in 2027. This is anti-democratic, reckless and abominable.”
Call for Security Intervention
Olajengbesi urged security agencies to be alerted to the alleged plans of thuggery, hooliganism, intimidation, and violence that he claims the APC intends to employ to subvert the democratic will of the people in the upcoming election. He emphasized that the people of Obokun-Oriade Federal Constituency are resolute and defiant against imposition politics and will defend their franchise at the polls.
Public Sentiment Against Incumbent
The Accord Party chieftain further noted that the electorate is weary of what he described as Wole Oke’s “sit-tight syndrome” in the House of Representatives for 24 years and is demanding a change in representation. “One thing is clear: they are tired of Wole Oke’s sit-tight syndrome in the House of Representatives for 24 years, and they want a new representation,” Olajengbesi added.
