Osun guber: Ex-minister Olasunkanmi declares support for AMBO

A former senator representing Osun West, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, has announced his decision to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO.

The former minister for youth development, who said he remains a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the declaration on Tuesday, saying his party is not fielding a candidate in the election.

He emphasised that he and his supporters, who did not defect to the Accord Party, have resolved to align with Oyebamiji at the poll.

“If we have PDP/Accord, why can’t we have PDP/APC?” he asked, in reference to the alliance between the PDP and Accord Party in the state.

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The forthcoming election will be contested by candidates of the APC, a faction of PDP, Accord, and other parties in the state.

Olasunkanmi served as senator for Osun West from 2003 to 2007 and was Minister of Youth Development between 2007 and 2010. 

He also contested the PDP governorship primary in Osun in 2014. 

The former minister accused the present administration in Osun of acting with impunity in running the affairs of government.

“I know the Adeleke family very well. What we should tell Osun people is that the Adeleke family are acting with impunity,” he alleged.

He cited examples, alleging that top government functionaries like commissioners holding key ministries are mere figures; thus, Osun has become a private family enterprise by the administration.

“Are we running Adeleke private enterprises in Osun?” he queried.

Olasunkanmi also recalled his political sacrifices within the PDP.

“In 2007, I was the one who stepped down for late Isiaka Adeleke to become a senator. 

“Also in 2017, I stepped down for Senator Ademola Adeleke,” he said.

He urged Osun voters to use their voter cards to “chase them away” in the forthcoming election.

“It is our permanent voter cards that we will use to chase them away,” he declared.