Barely 24 hours after Hon. Oluwole Oke, a ranking federal lawmaker from Osun State, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the crisis within the state chapter of the party has deepened, with indications that more high-profile defections are imminent.
Reliable sources have revealed that two serving senators and at least five members of the House of Representatives from Osun are on the verge of quitting the party. The mass exodus, if realized, could further destabilize the already fragile structure of the PDP in the state.
According to a party insider who spoke under the condition of anonymity, the growing unrest stems from the perceived overbearing influence of a close relative of the state governor, allegedly using her proximity to the seat of power to override internal party decisions.
“The party has become a one-man or rather, one-family affair. No one else’s voice matters anymore. It’s creating serious discontent,” the source said.
The crisis reportedly extends to the state House of Assembly, where over 16 lawmakers are rumored to be weighing their exit from the PDP. Among them is Hon. Adekunle Emmanuel Oladimeji, the Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, representing Irepodun/Orolu Constituency.
Sources close to the Assembly say Hon. Oladimeji is finalizing plans to dump the PDP and pitch his tent with another political platform ahead of the next election cycle.
As the crisis unfolds, political observers warn that if the PDP leadership fails to address the internal wrangling promptly, the party risks significant losses in future elections in Osun State.
