Mr Dapo Falade, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Oyo State Governor and Deputy Director of the APM Governorship Campaign Council, has described the recent wave of political defections and resignations of commissioners and SSA’s in Oyo State as a realignment of political interests, questioning whether the development serves the interest of the people.
Falade stated this during an interview at Dominion 106.1FM, reacting to the political developments in the state, particularly the resignation of the Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the timing of the defections as politically motivated. According to him, political defections are not new in Nigeria, noting that the practice, popularly known as cross-carpeting, dates back to the First Republic.
He, however, questioned why some politicians would choose to leave their political platforms after more than five years, suggesting that the developments were part of a calculated political strategy.
“Looking at the timing of the defection, everything is about politics. What we are seeing is a transfer of loyalty from one party to another,” he said.
Falade likened political defections to transfers in European football, arguing that every individual moving into a political party must have something tangible to contribute, maintaining that political participation should be driven by the greater benefit of the people rather than individual ambitions and personal political interests.
Speaking on Governor Seyi Makinde’s response to the unfolding political developments, Falade described the governor as a calm and composed leader who does not allow political pressure to influence his public disposition.
He said Makinde’s ability to remain composed in the face of political uncertainty demonstrates an important leadership quality, adding that a good leader should be able to manage emotions and avoid public displays of agitation.
On the resignation of the Chief of Staff and the effect it might have on the aspiration of Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the Allied People Movement (APM), Falade insisted that no individual has a monopoly on indispensability, stressing that political structures should not depend solely on individual personalities.
“Nobody has a monopoly of indispensability. There is no vacuum in any zone, even in the face of defection. No tree makes a forest; it is not about individuals,” he said.
He further maintained that the APM governorship campaign structure remained united and active, despite the political developments.
Drawing parallels with the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Falade recalled that a series of resignations during the administration had created doubts about the government’s electoral prospects, but Ajimobi eventually secured re-election, becoming the first governor in Oyo State to serve for two consecutive terms.
He argued that the current political developments should not automatically be interpreted as a setback for the ruling political structure, noting that political alignments do not necessarily determine electoral outcomes.
Falade also dismissed suggestions that Governor Makinde had personally selected a preferred successor, rejecting the popular narrative that the governor had handpicked an individual to succeed him.
According to him, Makinde never signed any pact with any of the individuals who signified their intention to be the next governor of the state from 29 May, 2027.
He added that the resignation of political appointees had not altered the lives of ordinary residents, arguing that the development largely reflected political calculations among politicians.
“The welfare and public interest of the people must come before personal or political interests. What we are witnessing is the elevation of individual and selfish interests above that of the state and the people,” he stressed.
On speculation surrounding Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition as affecting governance in the state, Falade maintained that such political considerations had not distracted the governor from effectively directing the affairs of Oyo State.
He said the governor remained actively involved in the administration of the state, with the support of his deputy and appointed public office holders, adding that governance continued despite the unfolding political realignments.
Falade observed that political interests would become clearer as the political season progresses, citing the popular political principle that there are no permanent enemies in politics, but only permanent interests.
He also invoked the biblical account of the betrayal of Jesus Christ, saying that even the betrayal did not prevent the fulfilment of God’s purpose, in an apparent reference to the political challenges facing the governor.
Expressing confidence in the APM’s electoral prospects, Falade described Bimbo Adekanmbi as the most suitable candidate for the next governorship position and expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election.
