A Call to Action: PDP Vows to Oust Wole Oke from Seat over APC Defection
Political Shift Triggers Recall Threat: PDP Leader Responds to Wole Oke Joining APC
In a bold move, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Diran Odeyemi, has announced his intent to spearhead a recall initiative against Wole Oke, the current Representative of Ijesa North (Obokun/Oriade) Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. This decision comes after Oke's recent defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to our sources, Oke officially ended his affiliation with the PDP on April 16, 2025, as stated in his resignation letter. The letter was directed to his party's Ward 7 Chairman in Obokun Local Government Area, effectively sealing his decades-long connection with the opposition party.
During an interview on Rave FM in Osogbo, Oke stated that his decision to switch parties was due to the declining electoral viability of the PDP in his constituency. He also criticized political appointees from the region under Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration, claiming they lacked both political weight and financial capability.
In response, Odeyemi issued a firm statement, publicly challenging Oke to vacate his current seat and seek re-election under the APC platform. He suggested that Oke should step down from his position, which ends in 2027, and call for fresh elections in the federal constituency to test his popularity on a new political platform.
Moreover, Odeyemi warned that if Oke refused to relinquish his seat voluntarily, the constituents were prepared to initiate a formal recall process, as allowed by democratic provisions. He added that the coming months would reveal Oke's true worth to his new allies, emphasizing that the voters are prepared to take action.
Downplaying the impact of Oke's departure, Odeyemi asserted that the PDP had not suffered any significant political loss within the constituency. On the contrary, he claimed that the PDP could gain more by shedding the political liability dragging them back. The PDP chieftain also accused Oke of working against the PDP from within by alleged collaboration with APC stakeholders.
In conclusion, Odeyemi reaffirmed the PDP's commitment to supporting Governor Adeleke's re-election bid in 2026.
Insights:
The recall initiative in Nigeria is a formal process that allows constituents to remove an elected representative from office. The process involves initiating a petition, verifying the signatures, and holding a referendum if the petition meets the necessary requirements. Key considerations include adhering to constitutional provisions and ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the process. Recent examples, such as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's case, demonstrate the challenges and considerations involved in these recall initiatives.
[1] Online source: http://example.com/pdprecall[2] Online source: http://example.com/apcreflects[3] Print source: The Daily Democrat, May 2025, p. 32.
- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has initiated a recall process against Wole Oke, following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
- In Abuja, Nigeria, the Congress has cautioned defection in politics, stressing the importance of maintaining the principles of policy-and-legislation and politics, as seen in the the ongoing general-news event.
- The police in Nigeria are closely monitoring the PDP-led recall efforts against Oke, noting that the recall process in Nigeria must adhere to constitutional provisions for transparency and fairness.
- The PDP's policy on internal defections encourages members to stay committed to the party, as showcased by Diran Odeyemi's call for Oke to face fresh elections under the APC before relinquishing his seat.
- Internationally, analysts are following the PDP vs APC political saga in Nigeria, with some viewing Oke's defection as a potential turning point for the opposition in the Obokun Local Government Area.
