Party chieftain warns against using Amotekun to witch-hunt opponents

Scores of members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and loyalists of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led Omoluabi Progressive Group in Osun State have abandoned their respective political platforms and pitched tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection and welcoming ceremony of the defectors was held in Ejigbo Local Council of Osun State at the weekend.The Ejigbo APC apex leader, Senator Mudashiru Husain, while receiving the defectors into the party at the official reception organised by Ejigbo Local Council APC, held in Ilupeju Multipurpose Hall, Ejigbo, promised fairness and inclusivity, expressing delight that despite the APC being in opposition, its membership has continued to expand ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

Husain, who is jostling for the ticket of the APC for next year’s gubernatorial election, further emphasised that the defectors had taken the best political decision as the APC remained the only party that has a deep connection with social welfare, economic transformation and human capital development as being exemplified by President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, “the unprecedented number of people cross-carpeting from PDP and particularly, Omoluabi Progressive Tendency, is a product of purposeful and collective leadership for which I have been pushed forward to spearhead as the apex leader. Our teamwork has paid off and it’s just starting.”

He said that the mission of the opposition party was to continue gaining more grassroots mobilisers that can put it ahead of other political parties in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election, and especially, for the success of Tinubu’s administration.

The senator, therefore, urged all the new defectors to be steadfast and dedicated to the progressive ideals, while the party remains committed to fairness and inclusivity.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council, Ayegbayo Gbolahan, his counterpart from West LCDA, Olayanju Kolapo and APC Ejigbo Local Council Chairman, Lateef Adegoke, appreciated the defectors for their thoughtfulness and pledged their unflinching commitment to working tirelessly for the growth of the party ahead of future elections.

Also speaking on behalf of Omoluabi defectors, Wole Olajire said that their return to the mainstream progressive family was hinged on their decision to leave uncertainty for certainty while declaring their unwavering allegiance to the party through active mobilisation for the success of the party in 2026 and beyond.

In his remark, the leader of the PDP defectors, Kareem Mubarak, expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling PDP for falling short of internal democracy and good governance, emphasising that APC remains a party that prioritises socio-economic development and quality leadership for everyone’s benefit.

MEANWHILE, a chieftain of the APC in Osun State, Musibau Alade, has raised the alarm over what he described as a dangerous politicisation of the Amotekun Corps, a regional security outfit established to protect communities in the South-West.

In a statement, yesterday, Alade alleged that the Osun State Government had been weaponising Amotekun to intimidate and silence political opponents, citing an incident involving a former aide to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.