Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, rallied members and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to support the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, AMBO, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Speaking at a gathering of PDP stakeholders held at WOCDIF Centre in Osogbo, the state capital, Oyinlola said the decision to support Oyebamiji did not amount to renouncing their membership of the PDP, stressing that they remained proud members of the party.

The former governor said the group had supported the emergence of the present administration and mobilised people for the party, but expressed concern over what he described as a lack of inclusiveness in the governance of the state.

According to him, party loyalty is important, but the interest of Osun State must take precedence over partisan considerations.

Oyinlola said the group’s support for Oyebamiji was based on conviction and the desire for what he described as a different direction for the state.

He urged the APC candidate, if elected, to run an inclusive government and prioritise good governance, economic development, infrastructure, education, agriculture, youth empowerment and the creation of opportunities for the people.

The former governor also called on members and supporters of the PDP to understand the rationale behind the decision, stressing that political alliances and administrations could change, but the people and future of Osun State remained permanent.

The group subsequently declared its support for Oyebamiji, popularly known as Ambo, while maintaining that its political identity with the PDP remained intact.

Also present at the endorsement gathering were former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, former Deputy Governor, Titilaoye Tomori, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Fatai Akinbade; among others.