APC's Campaign DG Pick in Osun is a Self-Inflicted Blow, Says Olajengbesi
In a sharp critique, lawyer and political activist Pelumi Olajengbesi has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has committed a major strategic error by appointing Wole Oke as the Director General of its campaign team for the upcoming August 15 governorship election. Olajengbesi, who serves as the convener of the Imole Grassroots Mobilisation Network, a group advocating for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke, asserted that this move effectively amounts to the APC scoring an own goal, thereby simplifying the path to victory for the opposition.
Zero Electoral Value Alleged
Olajengbesi, in a statement released on Tuesday, argued that Oke possesses zero electoral value, pointing to his 24-year tenure as a federal lawmaker representing Obokun Oriade in the House of Representatives. According to Olajengbesi, Oke has failed to deliver meaningful dividends of democracy to his constituents during this period, making him an ineffective choice to lead a high-stakes campaign. He emphasized that this appointment has made the defeat of the APC's governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, both cheaper and easier, as it signals a lack of credible leadership within the party.
The lawyer quoted a common political adage, stating, 'Leave your opponents to dig their own political graves,' suggesting that the APC's decision is a self-destructive act. He further highlighted Oke's recent comments, where Oke was quoted as saying that Governor Adeleke should start packing his loads from the Government House and claiming to be a specialist at removing sitting governors. Olajengbesi responded by clarifying that only the people of Osun State hold the constitutional right to remove a governor through the ballot box, and any claims to possess such power could imply involvement in vote manipulation, which he labeled as a criminal offense.
Confidence in Adeleke's Re-election
Olajengbesi expressed strong confidence in Governor Adeleke's re-election prospects, noting that the people of Osun State are deeply supportive of the governor and his significant achievements across various sectors. He acknowledged challenges such as federal asphyxiation of local government revenues and other allocations but argued that these have not diminished public affection for Adeleke. Olajengbesi warned Oke against deceiving Oyebamiji with false hope, asserting that the electorate's loyalty remains firmly with the incumbent.
Reflecting on past elections, Olajengbesi recalled that Osun voters rejected former Governor Gboyega Oyetola in the 2022 election, despite his incumbency, and predicted a similar outcome for Oke and the APC candidate this time. He described the state as having emerged from over a decade of what he termed 'combined darkness' under APC rule, with residents now seeing light under Adeleke's leadership. Consequently, he stated that the people are determined not to return to that darkness, making the Imole movement their default choice for the upcoming poll. Olajengbesi concluded by forecasting an embarrassing defeat for Oke and the APC, reinforcing his belief that the party's campaign strategy is fundamentally flawed.
