In a dramatic twist that could significantly reshape the political configuration of Osun State ahead of the next electoral cycle, prominent political figures from Iragbiji and Boripe Local Government Area have formally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Accord Party, declaring open support for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The development marks a major shift in the political stronghold of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, whose grassroots base in Iragbiji—his hometown—has long been considered a strategic pillar of the APC’s dominance in Boripe Local Government.
At the center of the defection is Hon. Kareem Afolabi, a respected political heavyweight and former Chairman of Boripe Local Government, widely regarded as one of the backbone figures sustaining the APC’s structure in Iragbiji. Alongside Afolabi, at least 15 other key leaders and grassroots mobilizers announced their exit from the APC, describing their move as a principled decision driven by governance performance and political realities on the ground.
Collapse of APC Structure in Iragbiji and Boripe
The defection has been described by political observers as a structural collapse of the APC’s grassroots machinery in Boripe Local Government. Iragbiji, historically considered politically strategic, has been a symbolic battleground between loyalists of former Governor Oyetola and supporters of Governor Adeleke.
Hon. Kareem Afolabi’s departure is particularly significant due to his longstanding influence in local political organizing, electoral mobilization, and council-level leadership. As a former local government chairman and seasoned political actor, Afolabi commands loyalty across wards in Boripe.
In his address during the formal declaration, Afolabi stated unequivocally that the decision to join the Accord Party and support Governor Adeleke’s re-election was based on performance and governance outcomes.
According to him, the developmental strides recorded under Governor Adeleke’s administration are visible and undeniable—even to political opponents.
> “The good performance of the governor cannot be denied by friends or political enemies,” Afolabi affirmed, pointing to several infrastructure projects and social intervention programs that, in his view, are repositioning Osun State.
Why the Defectors Chose Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke was elected in 2022 after defeating incumbent Governor Oyetola in a closely contested race. Since assuming office, his administration has prioritized infrastructure rehabilitation, workers’ welfare, education reform, and healthcare improvements.
Hon. Afolabi emphasized that as a veteran political player, it was time to align with leadership that demonstrates tangible results.
> “As an old political player, it is important to support a good leader when you see one,” he said.
He explained that the defectors are determined to be part of what he described as “the good news happening all over the state,” signaling a shift from partisan loyalty to performance-based political alignment.
Political analysts note that defections driven by governance performance rather than purely electoral calculations often carry greater symbolic weight, especially when they involve longstanding party loyalists.
Historical Ties to the Adeleke Family
In a deeply symbolic moment, Hon. Afolabi recalled his historical alliance with the late Senator Ayoola Adeleke, father of Governor Adeleke and a prominent advocate during the struggle for the creation of Osun State in 1991.
Afolabi described the late senator as a frontline leader in the agitation that eventually led to the carving out of Osun from the old Oyo State.
According to him, Governor Adeleke’s governance style reflects the pro-people legacy of his father.
> “The good work of the governor is a reflection of the pro-people life of his late father and brother,” he stated.
This historical framing adds emotional and ideological depth to the defection, positioning it not merely as political strategy but as a continuation of longstanding alliances.
Endorsement of President Tinubu a Factor
Interestingly, Afolabi also referenced Governor Adeleke’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu as a factor in the realignment.
He noted that Iragbiji does not have its own governorship candidate in the forthcoming election cycle and therefore should back a candidate who is serving Osun well while also recognizing national political realities.
> “We also join the governor because he has endorsed our son, President Bola Tinubu. In the Osun election, Iragbiji has no governorship candidate. We choose to back a candidate who is serving Osun well,” Afolabi declared.
The statement underscores the complex interplay between state and federal political dynamics in Nigeria, where alignments often consider both local interests and national power structures.
Accord Party Declares “Burial” for APC in Boripe
The Chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, Pastor Tolu Akande, described the defection as a “burial programme” for the APC in Boripe Local Government.
Akande and members of his working committee assured the new entrants of fair and equitable treatment within the party structure, promising full integration and recognition of their political relevance.
The Accord Party, while smaller in national spread compared to the APC and PDP, has maintained pockets of influence in Osun politics and has increasingly positioned itself as a strategic coalition partner in state-level contests.
Governor Adeleke Responds: “Integrity Is a Family Tradition”
Responding to the wave of commendations, Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed gratitude and described himself as overwhelmed by the endorsement from Iragbiji leaders.
He reaffirmed that integrity and public service are family traditions rooted in the teachings of his late father, Senator Ayoola Adeleke.
> “Serving the people honestly and making impact as a leader are lessons we learnt from our father,” the governor said.
He pledged to intensify developmental efforts both before and after securing re-election.
Governor Adeleke also emphasized inclusivity, noting that President Bola Tinubu belongs to all Osun citizens regardless of party affiliation, signaling a tone of political maturity and cross-party engagement.
Political Heavyweights Present at the Reception
The reception of the defectors was attended by several top party and government functionaries, including:
Senator Lere Oyewumi
Hon. Kamarudeen Ajisafe
Hon. Bunmi Jenyo
Hon. Sola Ajeigbe
Hon. Kolapo Alimi
Their presence further underscored the importance attached to the event and the strategic value of the Boripe political base.
What This Means for Osun Politics
The defection of Hon. Kareem Afolabi and other grassroots leaders represents more than a routine party switch. It signals a recalibration of political loyalties in a state historically characterized by intense rivalry between major parties.
Osun State politics has long been shaped by competitive electoral contests, judicial battles, and shifting alliances. Any erosion of grassroots structures in a politically symbolic hometown such as Iragbiji carries psychological and strategic implications.
For the APC, this development could trigger internal reassessments regarding party cohesion and grassroots engagement strategies. For Governor Adeleke and the Accord Party, it strengthens momentum toward consolidating a broad-based coalition ahead of the next election.
The Bigger Picture: Performance vs. Party Loyalty
The defection narrative also reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics where performance metrics increasingly influence political alignments.
While party loyalty remains important, voters and grassroots leaders are becoming more pragmatic, aligning with administrations perceived to deliver infrastructure, social services, and economic relief.
As Osun prepares for the next electoral season, the collapse of a once-solid political structure in Boripe Local Government may serve as a turning point.
Whether this shift will translate into statewide electoral advantage remains to be seen. However, what is clear is that the political landscape in Osun State is evolving—and Iragbiji has just sent a powerful message.
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