Osogbo, Nigeria – In a pointed appeal to Nigeria’s opposition parties, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has advised against attributing the recent surge of defections to their ranks on President Bola Tinubu. Instead, he emphasized the need for these parties to examine their internal structures and foster genuine democracy within their organizations.
The statement, issued on Sunday and made available to LEADERSHIP newspaper, comes amid growing political realignments across the country. Oyintiloye, who previously served as a lawmaker and was a key member of the now-dissolved APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), described the defections as a natural evolution in Nigeria’s political landscape, driven by ideological convictions rather than external pressures.
“Political realignment is not a novel occurrence in our nation’s history,” Oyintiloye remarked in his statement. He urged opposition leaders to shift their focus inward, advocating for the adoption of transparent and inclusive internal processes. “Rather than pointing fingers at the President, they should embrace internal democracy to retain their members and strengthen their parties,” he added.
The call for introspection follows speculations in some quarters that the defections are the result of coercion or inducements from the ruling party. However, Oyintiloye dismissed these claims, asserting that the movements are primarily influenced by shared ideologies and a desire for effective governance. This perspective aligns with the broader narrative of fluidity in Nigerian politics, where party switches have historically been common, especially during periods of electoral transitions or policy shifts.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its post-election dynamics, Oyintiloye’s remarks highlight the ongoing challenges faced by opposition parties in maintaining unity and relevance. Political analysts suggest that such defections could reshape the country’s political alliances, potentially impacting future elections.
Oyintiloye’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of robust internal mechanisms in political parties, a factor that could determine their ability to compete effectively against the ruling APC. The development underscores the evolving nature of Nigerian politics, where strategic realignments often reflect deeper ideological and practical considerations.
