Insiders Tell Why 5th Term Reps Member Wole Oke Joined APC

The movement of Wole Oke, a strong man of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to generate huge discussion in the state.

Oke, who represents the Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has been in the National Assembly since 2003—missing out only during the 2011–2015 political spell.

He remained a towering figure in the PDP in the state, with widespread interventions including empowerment initiatives and impactful gestures across party lines.

His recent defection to the APC in his fifth term as a member of the House of Representatives caught many by surprise.

Insiders have now provided insight into the development that is attracting all forms of reactions in Osun State and beyond.

“It is a big leap. And it is two-fold. With Aregbesola out of the picture, the APC needed someone with statewide political influence to bolster its ranks. There are also claims that Governor Adeleke is one of the PDP governors about to join the APC. Oke joining the APC is a move to stay ahead of the situation,” sources say.

Information at hand reveals that Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was elected on the platform of the PDP, is at odds with Oke.

There are raging claims that the governor does not want the House of Representatives member to secure another term in office.

Oke’s move to the APC is said to be a strategic response to avoid being edged out.

Former governor and immediate past Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, groomed the APC into a formidable political party in Osun State.

However, he lost control of the party to his successor, Gboyega Oyetola, after a fierce supremacy battle that spiraled out of control.

Aregbesola left the party along with his core supporters and is currently making waves with the Omoluabi Progressives, a political group that wants to produce the next governor of Osun State.

The group is reportedly in talks with stakeholders to form an alliance aimed at stopping President Bola Tinubu of the APC from getting a second term in office.

Oke’s move to APC is expected to help the party counter Aregbesola’s political expertise. 

Adeleke, who benefited from the feisty political fight between Aregbesola and Oyetola to become governor, is also said to be seeking another term.

His possible defection to the APC—similar to that of PDP Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State—is rumored to be part of the plan to achieve this ambition.

Some, however, have disputed this claim and maintain he remains committed to the PDP.

“Oke read the political unraveling and took the leap to the APC. He has not been a back-to-back House of Representatives member for over twenty years by failing to discern which moves to make and which to avoid,” those conversant with his ways revealed.

Those who want Oke out of the National Assembly—across political lines—are making a feast of his defection and tagging it political suicide.

They argue it’s time for a new face to represent his federal constituency.

Others, however, say those critics are in for a shock.

“Especially because he is sure of the ticket of a stronger political party to contest for another tenure. And he is no minion in Osun politics,” sources insist.