Over 100 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Erinmo, Osun State, have defected to the Accord Party, citing dissatisfaction with the emergence of Hon. Wole Oke as the party’s candidate for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency seat and what they described as a lack of tangible achievements after his 24 years in the House of Representatives.
The defectors announced their decision at a meeting in Erinmo on Saturday, October 17, declaring support for Accord’s candidate, Pelumi Olajengbesi, ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ojo Ajibola said their decision followed grievances over the APC’s decision to give Oke its ticket despite his long-standing association with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ajibola said party members who had worked for the APC felt sidelined by the decision, adding that Oke’s political history had raised questions about his loyalty to the party.
“We cannot trust Wole Oke. He used the PDP ticket for 24 years, and now he is using the APC ticket. Tomorrow, he will use the ticket for another party. He has no party loyalty. How can such a man represent us faithfully?” he said.
He also alleged that dissatisfaction with Oke’s candidacy affected the APC’s mobilisation efforts during the recently concluded Osun governorship election, claiming that some party members were unwilling to work for a candidate they did not trust.
Another defector, Ruth Agbesuyi, criticised Oke’s record in the National Assembly, challenging him to point to major legislative achievements and lasting federal projects attracted to the constituency during his years in office.
“For 24 years, Wole Oke dominated this constituency. Where is his legacy project? No bill sponsored, no federal institution, no empowerment that outlives him. We cannot continue with that kind of representation,” Agbesuyi said.
The defectors said they were backing Olajengbesi because they believed his candidacy offered an opportunity for fresh leadership, greater youth participation and improved community development in Obokun/Oriade.
Welcoming the new members, Olajengbesi described their decision as a rejection of what he called opportunistic politics, promising to prioritise accessibility, accountability and development if elected.
“I welcome my brothers and sisters from Erinmo. You have taken a bold decision for the future of our constituency. Together, we will restore trust, bring legacy projects, and give our people quality representation they can be proud of,” he said.
The defection comes as political parties begin positioning for the 2027 National Assembly elections, with candidates expected to make their records, plans and capacity to deliver development key issues in the contest for the Obokun/Oriade seat.
Note: The allegations concerning Oke’s legislative record, constituency projects and the effect of his candidacy on APC mobilisation are claims made by the defectors and have not been independently verified.
