A member of the House of Representatives from Oriade-Obokun Federal Constituency, Wole Oke, has asserted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State would have ceased to exist without former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, who currently serves as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. This statement has drawn sharp reactions from rival factions within the party, including those loyal to APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru and former APC Secretary and ex-deputy governor Iyiola Omisore.
Oke's Defense of Oyetola
Oke, who also holds the position of Director General of the APC 2026 Governorship Campaign, took to his official Facebook page on Friday evening to express his views. He argued that despite Oyetola's loss to Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2022 gubernatorial election, the former governor has been instrumental in keeping the party alive in the state. In his post, Oke stated: “HE Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola may not be a perfect man. However, he gave so many politicians in Osun and beyond political relevance. He gave some of our leaders survival lines. He gave a lot of our brothers and sisters political appointments. Without him, the APC would have been dead in Osun State.”
Criticism from Rival Camps
Oke's comments have not gone unchallenged. Supporters of Omisore and Basiru have accused him of attributing the party's survival solely to Oyetola while ignoring the contributions of other key leaders. They argue that while APC members may have benefited from Oyetola's influence, the broader population of Osun State has been neglected. A Facebook user, Lawal Omoyemi, responded directly to Oke's post, saying: “Everything Oyetola is doing seems geared toward pleasing the Osun APC, while the interests and welfare of the good people of Osun State are being sacrificed.”
Public Reactions and Predictions
Other social media users also weighed in, expressing skepticism about Oke's claims. Oluwole Ojo questioned: “How many people have you been able to influence job for through HE Gboyega Oyetola in his ministry? How many youths have you empowered since 2023 without being your political slave? The upcoming revolution will retire you in the 2027 General Elections.” Similarly, Olawole Oluwakayode warned: “This game you’re playing will expire soon I can assure you, brother Wole. Go and ask Senator Iyiola Omisore and get wisdom. By the time they’re done using you, you will be on your own.”
Abiodun Baruwa added a more reflective comment: “The real question is: what did the ordinary people of Osun gain? Many citizens still remember the era of hardship, modest salaries, and economic struggles. In 2026, the voters will judge based on their experiences and current realities, not political endorsements.”
As the 2026 governorship election approaches, these internal party dynamics are likely to intensify, with various factions vying for influence and control over the APC's direction in Osun State.
