A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said that recent defections by some party members will not weaken the party’s structure, popularity, or electoral prospects ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship election.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Mr Oyintiloye described the defections as a common feature of politics, particularly during electioneering periods.

Some prominent members of the APC in the state have recently resigned from the party ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Mr Oyintiloye, however, maintained that the development poses no threat to the APC’s readiness and determination to reclaim power in the state.

According to him, the party remains the most formidable political force in Osun, with a strong grassroots presence across wards, polling units, communities, and local government areas.

“The APC in Osun is bigger than any individual or group.

“Our party is built on a solid foundation that has endured for decades. We have a resilient structure, loyal membership, and an ever-expanding support base across the state.

“Those who think the APC has been weakened by the exit of a few members are out of touch with the realities on the ground.

“The strength of our party resides in the people, and the people remain firmly with the APC,” he said.

Mr Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, added that the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s governorship candidate has boosted members’ morale and generated enthusiasm among voters.

He said Mr Oyebamiji’s acceptability, competence, humility, accessibility, and public service experience have positioned him as the preferred choice among the electorate.

“There is no community in Osun today where the AMBO movement is not gaining momentum.

“The support he enjoys cuts across political affiliations, religious divides, age groups, and professional backgrounds. His popularity is organic and continues to grow daily.

“No other candidate in the race currently commands the level of goodwill, credibility, and political momentum that he enjoys across the state,” he said.

The APC stalwart noted that ongoing consultations, stakeholder engagements, reconciliation efforts, and grassroots mobilisation have strengthened internal cohesion.

He urged party leaders, elected officials, and members to remain united and intensify mobilisation efforts, stressing that victory would depend on collective commitment and hard work.

“This is not the time for distractions or pessimism. It is the time for greater unity, deeper engagement with the people, and stronger mobilisation.

“Our structures are intact, our supporters are energised, and our candidate enjoys overwhelming acceptance.

“We are confident, prepared, and fully positioned for victory,” he said.

Mr Oyintiloye also called on party faithful to remain steadfast, assuring them that the APC is on course to reclaim power and deliver people-oriented governance.

He further urged the party’s leadership to sustain unity efforts and address members’ grievances to prevent further defections, stressing that every member has a vital role to play in the party’s success at the polls. 

(NAN)