By: Blessing Adegbite
In a remarkable turn of events, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has been experiencing a surge in membership growth, with many high-profile members of opposition parties defecting to the party. Recently, over 500 members of the APC decamped to PDP in Ife North Local Government, hundreds of APC members also defected to the PDP In Ifedayo Local Government. The Ayedire Local Government chapter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also received thousands of APC loyalist in Oluponna, Ayedire Local Government area, The defectors were led by the former Secretary of Ayedire South LCDA, Hon Abidogun Dare Samson and host of other.
The Osun State PDP Chair Hon. Sunday Bisi also received hundreds of APC, ADP, Labour, and Accord party members who defected to PDP in Orolu local government. In Odo-Otin local government, preparations are ongoing to receive Hon. Femi Idowu, a formal APC councilor in Ward 05 Ekosin/Iyeku, with his supporters to the PDP, which will add to hundreds of APC members, that had already decamped to the PDP in all the 15 wards in Odo-Otin local government.
The driving force behind this unprecedented wave of defections is none other than Governor Ademola Adeleke, whose impressive achievements in governance, less than two years in office, have earned him widespread recognition, admiration, and popularity.
Since assuming office, Governor Adeleke has been working tirelessly to deliver on his campaign promises, focusing on key areas such as education, healthcare, food security, infrastructure development, and job creation. His efforts have yielded impressive results, with Osun State now being touted as one of the most progressive and thriving states in the country.
The governor’s commitment to revamping the state’s education sector has been particularly notable. His administration has invested heavily in the construction of new schools, renovation of existing ones, distribution of educational materials to schools, and the ongoing recruitment of qualified teachers. Which will lead to a significant improvement in academic performance of the students.
In addition to education, Governor Adeleke has also prioritized healthcare delivery, ensuring that the state’s hospitals are equipped with modern facilities and staffed by competent medical professionals. His administration has also launched several initiatives aimed at promoting health awareness and disease prevention. The administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke has renovated and upgraded over 300 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state. His administration has also commenced the building of new hospitals and payment of 100 percent hazard allowances to state health workers as approved by the Federal Government, no fewer than 22,000 citizens of the state benefitted from the first and second phase of the free Imole surgical outreach, the enrollment of over 23,000 pensioners and all Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the state into the Osun State Health Insurance scheme initiated by Governor Adeleke’s administration.
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s led administration, in his effort on food security in the State, on Friday 30th of August 2024, unveiled 31 newly purchased tractors for the use of farmers in the state to boost food production.
He also inaugurated the distribution of agricultural inputs for farmers’ associations, including persons with disabilities across the state in a move to guarantee food security. The Governor distributed 6,000 herbicides, 80,000 cashew seedlings, 8,000 cassava cuttings, 8,000 various vegetable seeds and 500 bags of Lime to our farmers, women associations, people living with disabilities and government schools with large farmlands.
The governor’s multi-billion infraplan drive has also been a major draw for members of opposition parties. His administration has embarked on several projects aimed at improving the state’s transportation network, including the construction of new roads, bridges, and flyovers.
Asphalt Laying on the dual carriage road from Old Garage to Oke-Fia in Osogbo is ongoing, Asphalt Laying on Akoda Ede Road has also commenced, while work is ongoing on the flyover bridge at Ile Ife and Ilesa respectively.This will greatly enhance movement within the state and boost economic activity.
The influx of new members into Osun PDP is a testament to Governor Adeleke’s leadership skills and his commitment to delivering good governance. Many members of opposition parties who have defected to the PDP have praised the governor’s inclusive approach to governance and his willingness to listen to their concerns.
The impact of Governor Adeleke’s achievements on the state’s economy has been significant. The efforts of Governor Ademola Adeleke to stimulate economic growth through infrastructural development and investment in small-scale businesses have also attracted opposition members. The creation of jobs and opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs has been particularly impressive, with many opposition members acknowledging the positive impact on the state’s economy.
Furthermore, the governor’s focus on social welfare has also been a significant factor in attracting opposition members. His administration’s initiatives to support vulnerable groups, such as orphans, widows, and people with disabilities, have been widely praised and have helped to build trust among opposition members.
One of the defectors from Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Goke Afolayan, a former councillor Ward 07, praised Governor Adeleke for his efforts to support pensioners in the state, noting that this was a key factor in his decision to defect. “We are here to join hands with our Governor to move the state forward. He highlighted the recent unveiling of newly purchased tractors for farmers as a testament to the PDP’s commitment to progress.
Another notable defector, the former Vice Chairman of APC in Ife North, Alhaji Ibrahim Olayiwola, led other decampees to the PDP, they were received by the PDP State Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, and other members of the state Working Committee at Ipetumodu, the headquarters of Ife North Local Government.
The influx of new members into Osun PDP is expected to give the party a significant boost in the upcoming election come 2026. With Governor Adeleke at the helm, the party is poised to make a strong showing in the polls.
As Osun PDP continues to soar under Governor Adeleke’s leadership, it is clear that his commitment to delivering good governance has earned him widespread recognition and admiration. His achievements are a testament to his leadership skills and his dedication to making a positive difference in people’s lives. As Osun State continues to thrive under his leadership, more members of opposition parties will be drawn to the PDP’s progressive platform.
No doubt, ‘If God is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us’. The political journey of Governor Ademola Adeleke clearly shows that he is a child of destiny, unstoppable, ordained to take Osun State to prosperity.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, a true navigator, navigating the path expertly well. The achievements of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration is a reflection light, which darkness can not comprehend nor contend come 2026.
In conclusion, Governor Adeleke’s achievements in Osun State have been so impressive that they have transcended party lines and attracted members of the opposition to his camp. His commitment to education, healthcare, economic development, and social welfare has demonstrated that good governance is not limited to a particular party or ideology. As Osun State continues to grow and develop under his leadership, more opposition members will be drawn to his vision for a brighter future.
As the dust settles on Governor Adeleke’s impressive tenure, it is becoming increasingly clear that his remarkable achievements are not only resonating with his party faithful but also attracting members of the opposition. This is a testament to the governor’s commitment to serving the people, regardless of party affiliation.
Come 2026 governorship election, it is imperative that we recognize the significance of Governor Adeleke’s achievements and continue to support him in his bid for re-election. “As One Good term deserves another.” Let us continue to support and pray for Governor Adeleke, as he has been a beacon of hope and progress for our state.
Blessing Adegbite is a Media Aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Community Communication, Writes from Odo-Otin LG.
