The political landscape of Osun State shifted on Wednesday as four‑term federal lawmaker Hon. Oluwole Busayo Oke formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Announcing his decision in a video message distributed across constituency WhatsApp groups, the Obokun/Oriade representative accused the Adeleke‑led PDP administration of “undermining my personality and political influence.” According to Oke, despite financing and nurturing the PDP since 1998, his counsel is no longer sought and he is “now seen as the enemy of the government.”

“I supported Governor Ademola Adeleke to win the Osun‑West Senate seat in 2017,” Oke said. “Today my opinion does not count. In a situation where you are not trusted and you are undermined, what do you expect me to do?”

Oke’s defection delivers a high‑profile boost to the APC in Ijesa North Federal Constituency. Party officials welcomed the move, describing it as “a new era of unity and renewed commitment to development.”

With his extensive grassroots network and committee experience in the House of Representatives, APC leaders believe Oke can accelerate federal attention to local infrastructure, health and education projects.

Relations between Oke and the PDP soured in recent months after he publicly criticised Governor Adeleke’s petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking a probe of former governor and current Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola (APC), over an alleged misappropriation of a US $20 million World Bank health grant. Oke urged the EFCC to ignore the petition, a stance that widened the rift with the state government.

Political analysts say Oke’s switch could alter power dynamics in Osun ahead of the 2026 governorship race, consolidating APC support in the Ijesa axis while exposing PDP vulnerabilities among long‑serving loyalists.

The PDP leadership in Osun has yet to issue an official response to the defection. Meanwhile, the APC is expected to stage a formal rally in Ilesa next week to present Hon. Oke to party faithful and inaugurate a constituency outreach programme under his supervision.