As political alignments ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election continue to take shape, several prominent figures who previously held strategic positions under the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola have dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and pitched their tents with Governor Ademola Adeleke's Imole political movement.
The defections have generated fresh debates within the state's political landscape, particularly after some APC loyalists reportedly dismissed the defectors as "paperweight politicians."
Among the notable politicians who recently left the APC is Hon. Yemi Lawal, a former Commissioner for Youths and Sports during the Oyetola administration between 2018 and 2022. Lawal was also the running mate to Chief Christopher Iyiola Omisore in the 2018 Osun governorship election when the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate secured 128,053 votes across the state.
Also joining the growing list of defectors is Hon. Folorunsho Bamisayemi (Bambam), a two-term member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing Ife South State Constituency. He previously served as Commissioner for Education under Oyetola and remains a close political associate of Senator Iyiola Omisore.
Another significant defector is Hon. Ismail Kolawole, a former Private Secretary to former Osun Governor Chief Bisi Akande, former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, and former member of the House of Representatives representing Ila Federal Constituency.
Explaining his decision to leave the APC, Hon. Kolawole stated that he resigned from the party for "personal peace, inner rest of mind, and self-respect." Political observers, however, note that given his longstanding relationship with Chief Akande, such a move would likely not have occurred without the knowledge of the former governor, who remains one of the most influential leaders within the APC.
Also among the defectors is Hon. Olawuni Felix Olugbenga, a respected community leader from Ilesa West Local Government Area. Widely regarded as a peace ambassador and grassroots politician, Olugbenga is known to maintain a longstanding friendship with Sen. Omisore.
Similarly, Hon. Jamiu Olawumi, former Special Adviser on Education under Oyetola and former Osun APC Media Director, has also aligned with the Adeleke camp. Olawumi was previously one of the administration's most vocal critics but has now joined the growing ranks of politicians backing Governor Adeleke's second-term bid.
Political analysts believe the defections could reshape political calculations ahead of the 2026 governorship contest, especially given the defectors' influence across various constituencies and local government areas.
While APC supporters have reportedly downplayed their exits by describing them as "paperweight politicians," supporters of Governor Adeleke argue that the influx of former APC stalwarts into the Imole movement reflects growing confidence in the governor's leadership and re-election prospects.
With the 2026 election drawing closer, political observers say the significance of these defections will ultimately be measured at the ballot box.
