The political fortunes of Hon. Wole Oke, the six-term federal lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, appear to be dwindling fast following his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a swift backlash that has rattled his camp, key aides and political allies have publicly disowned him, rejecting entreaties to follow him to the ruling party. Sources within Oke’s stronghold describe his defection as “a political tragedy” fueled by “greed and selfishness.”
Leading figures at the grassroots level, particularly in his native Esa Oke, condemned the move, branding Oke an “ingrate” who turned his back on the party that had “given him everything — from marriage to material riches.” Many have vowed to remain loyal to the PDP and severed political ties with the embattled lawmaker.
Screenshots of text messages allegedly sent by Hon. Oke, offering incentives to woo former allies into defecting with him, have surfaced among PDP loyalists in Osun State. Despite these offers, aides and associates insist they will not abandon the party.
A close associate speaking under anonymity said:
“This decision is wicked and anti-people. After six terms, it is time to step aside. We urged him to let Oriade take its rightful turn, but he refused. His comments belittling PDP leaders deepened the anger against him.”
The fallout has also taken a legal dimension. PDP loyalists are reportedly preparing to initiate a recall process, arguing that Oke’s defection, without any internal division in PDP at the state or national level, is a violation of constitutional provisions.
They demand that he vacate the seat he won under the PDP and face accountability for “billions of constituency funds” allegedly handled over the past two decades.
As tensions escalate, political watchers say this development could mark a dramatic turning point not only for Oke’s political career but also for the evolving political landscape in Osun State.
