The political atmosphere in Osun State has intensified following a public challenge issued to the member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Wole Oke, by a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Diran Odeyemi.
Reacting to Oke’s recent claim that the PDP would lose future elections in Oriade and Obokun Local Government Areas after his departure, Odeyemi urged the lawmaker to resign immediately and recontest his seat under a different political platform to truly test his popularity.
Oke had made the assertion during a radio interview in Osogbo shortly after announcing his exit from the PDP. He claimed that despite the number of political appointees loyal to Governor Ademola Adeleke, the party lacked the financial capacity to win the next election in the constituency.
In a strongly worded statement released in Osogbo on Sunday, Odeyemi dismissed Oke’s remarks as ungrateful and unfounded, especially coming from someone who has benefited from the PDP for two decades.
“It is pathetic that someone who has been a beneficiary of the PDP for the past 20 years could make such claims,” Odeyemi stated. “He even reportedly mocked political appointees in the two local governments, claiming they can’t collectively generate N10 million monthly to run an election campaign.”
Odeyemi further challenged Oke to vacate his seat, which is due to expire in 2027, and call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election. “Let him recontest under a new party if he truly believes in his popularity,” he said.
The PDP chieftain warned that should Oke refuse to accept the challenge, constituents would begin the process to recall him from the National Assembly.
He also accused Oke of sabotaging the PDP from within, alleging that the lawmaker had secretly supported the All Progressives Congress (APC) by leaking party strategies and funding rival campaigns.
“As far as we are concerned in the PDP, Oke’s exit is no loss. If anything, it is a relief. We’ve rid ourselves of a political liability,” Odeyemi concluded, reaffirming the party’s commitment to securing a second term for Governor Ademola Adeleke in the forthcoming election.
The unfolding drama signals deepening political realignment in Osun State, with significant implications for both PDP and its rivals in the months ahead.
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