The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Oyo State Governor, Mr Dapo Falade, has described the recent wave of political defections and resignations by commissioners and Senior Special Assistants in the state as a realignment of personal political interests rather than a development driven by public welfare.
Falade, who is also Deputy Director of the APM Governorship Campaign Council, stated this during an interview on Dominion 106.1FM while reacting to recent political developments in the state, particularly the resignation of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Chief of Staff.
He described the timing of the defections as politically motivated, noting that cross-carpeting was not new in Nigeria’s political history, having been practised since the First Republic.
Questioning the rationale behind politicians leaving their platforms after more than five years, Falade argued that the development reflected a transfer of political loyalty rather than any genuine commitment to improving the welfare of the people.
“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.
Comparing political defections to transfers in European football, he said individuals moving into political parties should have something tangible to contribute, insisting that political participation should be driven by the collective interest of the people rather than personal ambitions.
On Governor Makinde’s reaction to the developments, Falade described him as a calm and composed leader who would not allow political pressure to affect his public disposition.
He maintained that the resignation of the Chief of Staff would not undermine the political fortunes of the APM governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, stressing that no individual was indispensable to a political structure.
“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.
Falade also insisted that the APM campaign structure remained united and active, dismissing suggestions that the recent political realignments had weakened the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Citing the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, he recalled that several resignations during his tenure had raised questions about his re-election prospects, but he eventually won a second term, becoming the first Oyo governor to achieve the feat.
He argued that political defections should not automatically be interpreted as electoral setbacks, noting that changes in political alliances do not necessarily translate into votes.
The APM spokesperson also dismissed claims that Makinde had handpicked a successor, saying the governor never entered into any pact with those who had expressed interest in succeeding him from May 29, 2027.
He further argued that the resignation of political appointees had not changed the circumstances of ordinary residents, insisting that the development was largely about political calculations among the political class.
“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 said.
On suggestions that Makinde’s reported presidential ambition could distract him from governance, Falade maintained that the governor remained actively involved in running the state, with the support of his deputy and other public office holders.
He added that political interests would become clearer as the election season progresses, recalling the popular saying that there are no permanent enemies in politics, but permanent interests.
Expressing confidence in the APM’s electoral prospects, Falade described Adekanmbi as the most suitable candidate to succeed Makinde and expressed optimism that the party would win the 2027 governorship election.
