A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State led by the former governor of the state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on Sunday declared support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Saturday’s governorship poll, Bola Oyebamiji.

Oyinlola, speaking at the event held in Osogbo, where Oyebamiji’s ambition to be governor received the faction’s endorsement, stated that his group decided to part ways with the incumbent administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke due to a lack of inclusion in his handling of government affairs.

Oyinlola, joined by a former Secretary to State Government, Mr Fatai Akinbade, former PDP National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, however, declared that they were not dumping the PDP.

He added that the group adopted Oyebamiji’s candidature, having considered the decision necessary and out of conviction and sincere desire for the progress of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the leaders and members of the PDP in the state, Oyinlola described the endorsement of Oyebamiji as a child of necessity, conviction and sincere desire to advance the cause of the state in the interest of all and sundry.

He maintained that the leadership and members of the party remained resolute to vote massively for the emergence of Oyebamiji as part of efforts to rescue the state from the scourge of political nepotism.

“One of the major issues that have created this unfortunate situation, in our considered view, is the lack of inclusiveness in the governance of our state.

“We believed in that project. We mobilised our people for it. We invested time, energy and political capital in it because we believed that it represented the aspirations of our people.

“But unfortunately, along the line, things began to fall apart, and one of the major issues that have created this unfortunate situation, in our considered view, is the lack of inclusiveness in the governance of our dear state.

“We believe strongly that no party or government can succeed sustainably when it does not carry its people and leaders along.

“The PDP has always been a party built around consultation, participation and collective responsibility.

“These are values that we must continue to uphold,” he said.

Oyinlola, however, insisted that they remained PDP members and would not defect to the APC.

“Let me repeat that our decision today should not be interpreted as an abandonment of the PDP.

“We remain PDP members. We are not here to announce our defection from the PDP. We are not here to renounce our membership of the PDP. Rather, we are exercising our conscience as stakeholders who have served this state and who believe that, at this particular moment, Osun State requires a different direction.

“It is on this basis that we have resolved to officially declare our support for Mr Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Oyinlola said.

On behalf of the group, Oyinlola urged Oyebamiji to focus on good governance, economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and the creation of opportunities for our people.

“You must put the people first and run an inclusive government. You must listen to the people. You must ensure that every part of Osun feels represented in your government,” Oyinlola said.

In their separate remarks, Akinbade and Oladipo called on all members of the PDP in the state to cast their votes overwhelmingly for Oyebamiji.

The duo attributed their decision to pitch their tent with the APC as the best at the moment, not for selfish interest but for the good of the state and her citizens.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, expressed delight in the noble decision taken by the leadership and members of the PDP in the state.

He described ex-Governor Oyinlola as a grassroots politician and national figure whose political antecedents and track records could not be underestimated.

Oyetola called on the people of the state to remain resolute and peaceful, saying “the victory is ours by the grace of God”

Responding, Oyebamiji said the support his ambition had received from different segments of the state would ensure victory for the APC in the governorship election.

“This assignment has been made easy for me. We have been to all the local government areas in Osun State about three times, and I was warmly received on each occasion.

“Our fathers have backed my ambition. Artisans, business operators, teachers, women, men, children and the elderly have all declared their support for my ambition to become governor. Whoever is raising allegations of rigging is expressing fear of defeat that is staring them in the face,” he said.

On the demands made by the Oyinlola group, Oyebamiji expressed his readiness to run an inclusive government if elected governor.

“I thank you for the confidence and trust reposed in me. I will stand by your mandate. I will not disappoint you. I will make you proud, and by the grace of God, we shall collectively advance the cause of our state when I become Osun State governor,” he said.

Efforts to reach the Osun State PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, for his reaction to the development were unsuccessful. Calls to his mobile line did not go through, while he had yet to respond to a message sent to him via WhatsApp as of the time of filing this report.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal congratulated the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on his birthday.

The National Chairman and former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction turned 58th on August 08, 2026.

The Zamfara Governor described the chairman as a valuable asset to the progressive family and Nigeria’s political development.

He said, “On his birthday, I felicitate with our Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, a refined academic and committed party leader who prioritises the development of the All Progressives Congress.

“The exemplary leadership and vision displayed by Professor Nentawe have played a vital role in promoting major initiatives and in encouraging cooperation among the members of our great party.

“As you turn 58 today, I wish you many more years of complete mental, physical, and social well-being so Nigeria continues to benefit from your vast knowledge and experience.”

Governor Lawal noted that Professor Nentawe’s handling of the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections shows his knowledge, discipline, sincerity, and commitment to doing what is right.

Fresh cracks have emerged within the OK Movement, a political support platform established to mobilise backing for the joint ticket of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, following a bitter leadership tussle that has triggered accusations, counter-accusations and competing claims to the group’s leadership.

According to PUNCH, the crisis escalated after the movement announced the appointment of former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman, Peter Ameh, as its National Director-General in a statement signed by Jackie Wayas.

Wayas, who identified herself as the National Convener of the movement, said the decision followed a meeting of its steering committee.

The former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress added that Ameh’s appointment was unanimously approved because of his political experience and commitment to the ideals of the movement.

However, within hours of the announcement, the statement generated controversy after several members questioned Wayas’ authority to describe herself as the national convener of the movement.

Repeated efforts by The PUNCH to obtain clarification from Wayas on when and how she assumed the position were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to her were not returned as of the time of filing this report.

The controversy soon exposed a wider leadership dispute within the movement.

Speaking with our correspondent, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the movement, Justin Ijeh, acknowledged that disagreements existed but insisted they should be resolved internally rather than through the media.

He said, “There’s a reason I have not spoken up on this issue. I believe some things should be resolved behind the scenes. The primary target for me is that we must achieve our aim at the polls. I spoke to all the parties concerned about my concerns.

“It’s okay to fight. If you’re not fighting, you’re probably lying to yourselves. It’s not the worst thing that there are differences, but to let them come out into the public space is a big no-no for me.

“My principle on it is that we should not be discussing this thing in the public domain. People will always speculate and talk.

“As I said, these are issues that we need to go behind the scenes and resolve. We cannot be fighting a civil war when we have external aggression to deal with.

“The fact that this matter has come out makes it look larger than what it is because people are now talking about it.

“The truth is that it’s an internal dispute over how things are being done. People have different opinions, and then it goes into the mix. It’s not so much about secrecy.

“It’s about not allowing it to be detrimental to the larger cause. For me, the mission is to win elections.”

Continuing, Ijeh said differences were inevitable in political organisations and warned that allowing them to play out publicly could undermine the movement’s broader objective of winning elections.

According to him, he had stepped aside as spokesman pending the resolution of the dispute, noting that competing claims to the office of the Director-General had complicated the situation.

“I have told all parties that I cannot be the spokesperson anymore until they resolve issues. Tell me, when two persons declared themselves DG of an organisation, what do you do?

“I cannot even deny the fact that I know the Jackie Wayas you are talking about. She is also one of us,” he noted.

The movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, however, dismissed Ijeh as a sacked official and accused the rival faction of attempting to hijack the organisation.

Ughulu maintained that the former spokesman no longer had the authority to speak for the organisation, adding that he had long been relieved of his position.

He said, “No, Justin has been sacked long ago. He belongs to the other group. I had relieved all of them of their responsibility for us to move forward.

“Their ideology is different from what I brought on board. Look, I want everybody to focus beyond the 2027 election, if by God’s grace, Peter Obi wins.”

Ughulu traced the origin of the movement to discussions aimed at creating a broader coalition capable of bringing together supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso under one umbrella without dissolving their existing political identities.

He disclosed that the arrangement was conceived as a long-term political platform rather than one that would automatically dissolve after the next election cycle.

“There was an initial agreement between the two candidates, Obi and Kwankwaso, that this OK Movement would not be relinquished. It would still have to campaign for him in 2031 if he decides to come out for the presidential position. I was a signatory to that.

“So when this latest internal conflict came up, Obi pleaded with me. He said, John, please, I beg you. Do not go to press. Do not say anything,” he said.

Ughulu accused rival members of attempting to take over the movement.

He also defended his decision to separate the leadership of the Obidients from that of the OK Movement, saying overlapping structures would create conflicts.

“The mistake I made was that when they were appointing leaders for me, I was in America, trying to establish the OK Movement in London. Then Justin was brought in as our publicity secretary. I knew he worked for the Obidient Movement.

“Obi himself had given the warning not to mix the two,” he said.

Ughulu further claimed that Obi had previously expressed concern over the absence of a formal leadership structure within the Obidient Movement.

He alleged that he had proposed different leadership arrangements before Yunusa Tanko eventually emerged in an acting capacity.

The Ok Movement DG also narrated disagreements involving prominent members of the movement and defended his role in building the coalition.

According to him, attempts had been made to portray him as someone working against Obi’s political interests.

Ughulu insisted that the OK Movement was conceived to broaden Obi’s support base beyond the Obidient Movement.

In his analysis, the movement was inspired by consultations with several political leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Secretary General of Afenifere and former DG of Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Akin Osuntokun.

He added that the name “OK Movement” was deliberately chosen to attract supporters outside the traditional Obidient base.

“There are people who so much love and want to support Peter Obi who are not Obidient members. If we decide to stick only to that, other associations and political parties will not want to associate with you.

“So, that was how we settled for the name, OK Movement,” he said.

He also defended his decision to disengage Ijeh.

“In the case of Justin, I had to sack him because of his partisanship. He was going beyond his responsibility as a publicist for the OK Movement and also aiding the narrative that I am against members of the Obidient Movement,” he said.

Similarly, Ughulu opened up on how he fell out with Jackie Wayas, the alleged national convener of the same movement.

He said, “The same Jackie they are parading now used to work for me. At a point, she was in the ADC as the National Deputy Publicity Secretary.

“By that time, the OK Movement had been established. What was the problem? People were bringing in illegal money. And I said, no, it’s not going to happen because you don’t know where the money is coming from.

“So I suggested we raise the funds from the streets by encouraging Nigerians to contribute N1,000 or N500 to take care of posters, T-shirts and logistics.

“Again, we agreed that we are not going to pay any of my coordinators.

“I made that clear right from the outset because I know that every coordinator I appointed has capacity. They are well-to-do on their own. But Jackie flared up and said no.”

Meanwhile, another layer of the controversy emerged following widespread social media reports alleging that Obi had dismissed the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Tanko, over alleged financial impropriety, an allegation Tanko and Obi’s media office separately dismissed as false.

The reports further claimed that a replacement would soon be announced.

When contacted by The PUNCH, Tanko categorically denied the allegation.

He said, “No, it is not true. It is somebody out there just flying a kite. In fact, we are having a programme in the office tomorrow. I am using the opportunity to invite you to attend.

“Look, I don’t have a separate account. I’m not even a signatory to the account of the Obidient Movement. So, why should I even have a money-related matter?”

Reacting to claims of tension between the Obidient Movement and the OK Movement, Tanko insisted there was no conflict.

When asked to also clarify the tension between the Obidients and the OK Movement, Tanko dismissed it, stressing that there is no crisis or internal conflict with the camp of their principal.

“There is really no tension between us. We are just trying to work together. That’s all.

“We are just trying to make sure that we work together as a team,” he stated.

Shortly after Tanko’s defence, Obi’s media aide, Idris Zekeri, released a statement dismissing the reports as false.

“The Peter Obi Media Office acknowledges recent, coordinated efforts by political adversaries and disruptive individuals to create division, misrepresent our leader’s objectives, and foster artificial rifts within our movement dedicated to improving Nigeria.

“They dubiously try to ascribe their imagined words to our principal, aiming to create division in his fold. We feel it is imperative to directly and unequivocally address these manoeuvres.

“Let us be clear: our endeavour is, and always has been, driven by a commitment to national progress, not personal ambition, ethnic appeals, or petty partisan squabbles.”

The statement accused unnamed political opponents of manufacturing distractions while Nigerians continued to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.

“We implore our devoted supporters, including the Obidients and Kwankwasiyya movements, and all Nigerians of good conscience, to disregard rumours, fabricated stories, and deliberate provocations, including the purported sack of the Obidient Movement National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko,” it stated.

Adding another dimension to the unfolding crisis, former spokesman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, admitted that disagreements existed within the OK Movement but maintained that they would not derail preparations for the 2027 elections.

Johnson, who featured as a guest on Arise Television, on Friday described the dispute as a distraction rather than an existential threat.

“Yes, we have- may I call it a distraction at the moment? It is not such, in my own humble opinion, that would lead you to take unilateral actions that could scuttle or bring bad blood within the support base of the person you purportedly want to become the president of the country,” he said.

He urged members to focus on strengthening the movement instead of allowing personal disagreements to undermine its broader political objectives.

Johnson also disclosed that Obi had been briefed on the development and was unhappy with the situation.

“I saw the presidential candidate last night (Thursday) along with the DG. He’s not happy about the whole situation,” he said.

The internal wrangling comes at a critical period for the opposition as political groups continue consultations aimed at forging a united front capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 presidential election.

Although leaders of the Obidient Movement and the OK Movement have continued to insist that their disagreements are internal and resolvable, the public exchange of accusations and rival claims to leadership has raised fresh questions about cohesion within one of the emerging support platforms expected to play a significant role in opposition mobilisation ahead of the polls.