The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has welcomed the endorsement of his candidacy by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and other prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders, describing the development as a call for a “new direction” in the state.
Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, said the endorsement went beyond political calculations, describing it as evidence of a shared conviction that Osun required a government founded on justice, fairness, inclusion and equitable development.
The APC candidate stated this in an acceptance message posted on his official X account on Sunday, following the declaration by Oyinlola and other PDP leaders in Osogbo.
Oyinlola, who governed Osun State from 2003 to 2010, led the declaration alongside a former Secretary to the State Government, Fatai Akinbade, and former PDP South-West Vice Chairman, Tajudeen Oladipo.
The endorsement came six days before the August 15 governorship election, adding a new dimension to the increasingly competitive contest between Oyebamiji and the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.
Reacting to the development, Oyebamiji said he was “deeply honoured” by the decision of the PDP members led by Oyinlola to support his candidacy.
“I am deeply honoured by the decision of members of the PDP in Osun State, led by former Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to endorse my candidacy for Governor of Osun State,” he said.
Oyebamiji said the endorsement represented more than an electoral alliance, describing it as “a reflection of a shared conviction that Osun deserves a new direction.”
He pledged that an APC administration under his leadership would govern without discrimination based on political affiliation, senatorial district, religion or community.
“Government must belong to everyone, regardless of political affiliation, senatorial district, religion or community,” he said.
“Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government and every part of Osun deserves a fair opportunity to grow.”
The APC candidate also criticised what he described as “one-sided politics and uneven development” in the state, promising a more inclusive approach to governance if elected.
He said the endorsement had strengthened his sense of responsibility rather than merely boosting his campaign.
“I welcome this support with humility and a deep sense of responsibility,” Oyebamiji said.
He pledged to work with supporters across political divides to build an Osun State where justice would be upheld, opportunities created and development distributed more equitably.
“Together, we can end the politics of division and build an Osun where justice is upheld, opportunities are created and development is felt across the board,” he said.
Oyebamiji concluded his message with a call for political change, declaring, “The time for a new direction is now.”
“Together, we will rebuild Osun and give our people the government they truly deserve,” he added.
Oyinlola endorsement adds new dimension to race
The endorsement by Oyinlola and other PDP figures is the latest political realignment ahead of the election and could reshape alliances as the major candidates intensify their campaigns.
Oyinlola remains an influential figure in Osun politics, having served as governor from 2003 to 2010 and later as National Secretary of the PDP.
His decision, alongside that of other prominent PDP stakeholders, to back the APC candidate is particularly significant because of the close contest between Oyebamiji and Adeleke, who is seeking another term in office.
The development could give the APC candidate access to additional political networks and grassroots structures traditionally associated with the PDP camp.
However, the immediate challenge for Oyebamiji will be converting the high-profile endorsement into votes across the state when voters go to the polls on August 15.
The election is increasingly shaping up as a contest not only between the APC and PDP but also among competing political alliances, influential personalities and grassroots networks.
With just days to the poll, the impact of the latest realignment will ultimately be measured by voter turnout and the distribution of votes across Osun’s local government areas.