Mr Dapo Falade, Deputy Director (Media and Publicity) of the Oyo State APM Governorship Campaign Council, has likened the gale of defections from the party in the state to what happened to Jesus Christ who, despite betrayal, eventually fulfilled his messainic mission on earth.
Defections, like betrayal and messianic mission of Jesus Christ
He invoked the biblical account of the betrayal of Jesus Christ, saying that the betrayal did not prevent the fulfilment of God’s purpose, in an apparent reference to the political challenges facing Governor ‘Seyi Makinde.
He described the recent wave of political defections and resignations of commissioners and SSAs in Oyo State as a realignment of political interests, questioning whether the development serves the interest of the people.
Falade, who is also the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Oyo State Governor, stated this during an interview at Dominion 106.1FM, Ibadan.
He likened the recent resignation of the former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi, Ph.D and other top government officials to what happened to Jesus Christ.
According to him, Simon Peter, despite warnings, denied Christ, just as Judas Iscariot eventually betrayed the same man but who eventually emerged victorious.
He expressed confidence that Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi, the APM governorship candidate, would be the next governor of the state and expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election, the gale of defections notwithstanding.
Falade averred 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.
Reacting to the political developments in the state, particularly the resignation of the Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, he described the timing of the defections as politically- motivated.
He stated that political defections were not new in Nigeria, noting that the practice, popularly known as cross-carpeting, dated 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 the gale of defections to transfers in European football, declaring that what the people were witnessing was a political transfer season.
He argued 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 demonstrated an important leadership quality, adding that a good leader should be able to manage emotions and avoid public displays of agitation.
Falade said the resignation of the Chief of Staff to the Governor would not in any way affect the aspiration and chances of Adekanmbi in the 2027 governorship election.
Contrary to what was described as negative public perception affecting APM, he said Adekanmbi has been well received by the people at the grassroots, disclosing that the governorship candidate has been going round the 33 local councils preaching the APM Gospel.
Falade insisted that no individual was indispensable, stressing that political structures should not depend solely on individual personalities.
“Nobody has a monopoly of being indispensable. There is no vacuum in any zone, even in the face of defection. No single 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 the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Falade recalled that a series of resignations, shortly before the 2015 elections, had created doubts about the government’s electoral prospects.
He added that, however, and to the chagrin of analysts, 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 in the state, 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.
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 other 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 maxim that there are no permanent enemies in politics, but only permanent interests.
