.as party organizes formal reception for PDP Senators, Reps
By Our Reporter
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to reclaim Osun State and return it to serious, people-focused governance as he formally received into the party five members of the National Assembly elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The five members of the National Assembly elected on PDP platform, who officially defected to APC on Saturday, are Sen. Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Sen. Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke (Ijesa North Federal Constituency), Hon. Omirin Olusanya (Ijesa South Federal Constituency) and Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Central Federal Constituency).
Speaking at the event, which took place in Osogbo, the Odun State Capital, and attended by party officials, members and supporters, who came to receive the new members, Oyetola said that in the APC, there are no strangers, adding that the arrival of the defectors would strengthen the party’s resolve to reclaim the state and restore dignity to governance.
"We are gathered not just to receive our new members, but to affirm a shared conviction that the sure path to prosperity, stability and visionary leadership lies in the All Progressives Congress.
"In the APC, there are no strangers, we are one united family. Your arrival strengthens our resolve to reclaim Osun and restore dignity to governance," the minister said.
Oyetola also acknowledged the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since assuming office, saying that the president had laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s rebirth.
"That is why we proudly and confidently endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027 to consolidate these gains and secure lasting prosperity," he said.
The minister, therefore, urged party members to work towards the victory of the APC in the August 8 governorship election in the state in order to bring about "a state where schools and hospitals function effectively, infrastructure is durable, youth and small businesses are empowered, and governance is transparent and accountable."
"At home, the 2026 governorship election is fast approaching. Our mission is clear: reclaim Osun and return it to serious, people-focused governance.
"We will build a state where schools and hospitals function effectively, infrastructure is durable, youth and small businesses are empowered, and governance is transparent and accountable.
"But victory will come only through unity, hard work, and grassroots mobilisation. So I charge you: return to your communities, wards and polling units.
"Tell our people that the light of progress has returned to Osun. Tell them the APC is stronger, united, and determined.
"Together, we will reclaim Osun on August 8. Together, we will re-elect President Tinubu in 2027. Together, we will secure a brighter future for our children," Oyetola said.
The APC Chairman in the state, Tajudeen Lawal, said that the defection of the PDP members would no doubt translate into the strengthening of the party and the realisation of APC’s success in the August 8, 2026 Governorship Poll in the state, as well as the victory of President Tinubu in 2027.
Lawal also assured that there would be no discrimination in access to political opportunities, irrespective of the time of joining the party, in line with the tradition of the APC.
Also speaking, the Osun APC Governorship Candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, equally charged party members to unite ahead of the 2026 and 2027 elections, saying that they must stand as one and "continue to work together with a singular objective to return our state to a path of growth, accountability, and inclusive development."
"Dear party leaders, party members and supporters, as we look toward the 2026 and 2027 elections, unity within our ranks is non-negotiable.
"The progressive family in Osun must stand as one. Our leaders, youths, men and women, and all grassroots mobilisers must continue to work together with a singular objective to return our state to a path of growth, accountability, and inclusive development.
"Your decision to formally join us today reinforces the momentum we are building and sends a strong signal that the future belongs to those who are prepared to act decisively and responsibly," he said.
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