Oyo Defections Driven By Personal Interests, Not Public Welfare – APM Spokesperson

Mr Dapo Falade, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Oyo State Governor and Deputy Director of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Governorship Campaign Council, has described the recent wave of political defections and resignations by commissioners and Senior Special Assistants in Oyo State as a realignment of personal political interests rather than a development driven by public welfare.

Falade questioned the benefits of the defections to the people of the state, insisting that the welfare and collective interests of residents should take precedence over individual political ambitions.

He stated this during an interview on Dominion 106.1 FM while reacting to recent political developments in the state, particularly the resignation of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Chief of Staff.

Describing the timing of the defections as politically motivated, Falade noted that cross-carpeting was not new in Nigeria’s political history, dating back to the First Republic.

He, however, questioned the decision of some political appointees to abandon their political platform after more than five years, suggesting that their actions were influenced by emerging political calculations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“Looking at the timing of the defection, everything is about politics. What we are seeing is a transfer of loyalty from one party to another,” he said.

Falade likened political defections to transfers in European football, arguing that those joining political parties should have something meaningful to contribute, rather than pursuing personal interests at the expense of the electorate.

On Governor Makinde’s reaction to the unfolding political situation, the APM spokesperson described him as a calm and composed leader who would not allow political developments to dictate his public disposition.

He said the governor’s ability to remain composed amid political uncertainties demonstrated the importance of emotional intelligence and restraint in leadership.

Reacting to the resignation of the Chief of Staff and its possible implications for the governorship ambition of APM candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, Falade maintained that no individual was indispensable in politics.

“Nobody has a monopoly of indispensability. There is no vacuum in any zone, even in the face of defection. No tree makes a forest; it is not about individuals,” he said.

He insisted that the APM’s governorship campaign structure remained united, strong and active, dismissing suggestions that the exit of prominent political figures would undermine the party’s electoral chances.

Drawing parallels with the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Falade recalled that several resignations during Ajimobi’s tenure had raised questions about his government’s electoral prospects.

He noted, however, that Ajimobi eventually secured re-election, becoming the first governor in Oyo State to serve two consecutive terms, arguing that political defections and realignments did not automatically translate into electoral defeat.

Falade also dismissed claims that Governor Makinde had personally anointed a preferred successor, insisting that the governor had not entered into any agreement with individuals who had indicated interest in succeeding him from May 29, 2027.

According to him, the resignation of political appointees had not significantly altered the lives of ordinary residents, maintaining that the developments were largely driven by political interests among the actors involved.

“The welfare and public interest of the people must come before personal or political interests. What we are witnessing is the elevation of individual and selfish interests above that of the state and the people,” he stressed.

Addressing speculation that Governor Makinde’s alleged presidential ambition could distract him from governance, Falade maintained that the governor remained focused on the administration of the state.

He said Makinde continued to discharge his responsibilities with the support of his deputy and other government officials, adding that governance had not been disrupted by the ongoing political realignments.

Falade observed that the true motivations behind the emerging political alliances would become clearer as the political season progresses, recalling the popular political saying that there are no permanent enemies in politics, but only permanent interests.

He also made reference to the biblical account of the betrayal of Jesus Christ, noting that the betrayal did not prevent the fulfilment of God’s purpose, in an apparent allusion to the political challenges confronting the governor.

Expressing confidence in the APM’s chances in the 2027 governorship election, Falade described Adekanmbi as the most qualified candidate to lead Oyo State, expressing optimism that the party would emerge victorious at the polls.