Oyebamiji Welcomes Over 500 PDP Defectors in Irewole, Boosts APC’s Prospects for Local Elections
IKIRE/Nigeria: The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has received over 500 defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Irewole Local Government Area, in what he described as a significant boost for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Osun State.
Speaking at a gathering in Ikire on October 1, 2024, Oyebamiji hailed the mass defection, particularly from Ward 8, as the “best Independence Day gift” the party could receive. The event, which also marked Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations, was organised by Engineer Adekunle Kazeem Fadiran, an APC House of Representatives aspirant for Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency, who distributed relief packages under the Ileri Oluwa initiative to local residents.
Oyebamiji, alongside Engr. Fadiran and other APC leaders, expressed confidence that the wave of defections reflected growing dissatisfaction with the performance of the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.
“Ikire is an APC stronghold,” Oyebamiji said. “The empowerment programmes by Mr. Fadiran and the work of our dedicated party leaders have made the APC the pride of Osun State.”
Urging the new members to strengthen their efforts, Oyebamiji called on them to bring more people into the fold. “We must unite to ensure victory for the APC in the upcoming elections, as this will attract much-needed development to our communities.”
During the event, Fadiran, a member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and a 2027 aspirant for the House of Representatives, extended his support to over 400 constituents with cash donations and food packages. “This is my small contribution to the people of my constituency,” he said. “I will continue to provide assistance to as many as I can, and this is only the beginning.”
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former PDP leaders from Ward 8, including Aderogbin Wakeel, Abeeb Sheriff, Jimoh Nuru, Waidi Elubo, Fathi Adekunle, and Adeleke Kaosara, expressed their confidence in the APC’s ability to deliver the dividends of democracy. They pledged to ensure the ward’s full support for the APC in the forthcoming elections as a show of gratitude for Oyebamiji’s leadership and contributions to the community.
The event also received the blessing of the Akire of Ikire, HRM Olatunde Falabi, who commended Fadiran for his continued efforts in the development of the town and gave his royal endorsement for Fadiran’s political aspirations.
The gathering was attended by Fadiran’s political associates, friends, and family, further solidifying his growing influence within the constituency.
