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 defections and resignations of commissioners and SSAs in Oyo State as a realignment of political interests, questioning whether it serves the interest of the people.
Falade stated this during an interview on Dominion 106.1FM, while reacting to political developments in the state, particularly the resignation of the Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde.
According to him, the timing of the defections is politically motivated. He noted that political defections, popularly known as cross-carpeting, are not new in Nigeria and date back to the First Republic.
He, however, questioned why some politicians would choose to leave their platforms after more than five years, suggesting that the move is 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. He maintained that political participation should be driven by the greater benefit of the people rather than personal ambition.
Speaking on Governor Seyi Makinde’s response to the unfolding 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 its effect on the aspiration of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Falade insisted that no individual has a monopoly on indispensability, stressing that political structures should not depend solely on 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 remains 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 that 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 two consecutive terms.
He argued that the current 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 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 have signified interest in becoming governor from May 29, 2027.
He added that the resignation of political appointees has not altered the lives of ordinary residents, arguing that the development largely reflects 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 speculations that Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition is affecting governance in the state, Falade maintained that such political considerations have not distracted the governor from effectively directing the affairs of Oyo State.
He said the governor remains actively involved in the administration of the state, with the support of his deputy and appointed public office holders, adding that governance has continued despite the realignments.
Falade observed that political interests will become clearer as the political season progresses, citing the popular principle that there are no permanent enemies in politics, 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.
