In a move that deepens the crisis rocking Nigeria’s main opposition party, Hon. Oluwole Oke – the five-term House of Representatives member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency – has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The bombshell defection was confirmed Wednesday through a terse resignation letter obtained exclusively by our correspondent.
Why This Matters:
- Oke served as Chairman of the influential House Committee on Foreign Affairs
- The exit follows months of bitter feuding with Osun PDP leadership
- Creates vacancy in PDP’s minority caucus leadership in National Assembly
The veteran lawmaker’s April 16 resignation letter addressed to his ward chairman cited “wide consultations” but conspicuously avoided naming any new political affiliation. However, authoritative sources reveal Oke has been in advanced talks with both the ruling APC and Labour Party.
Behind the Defection:
Multiple insiders identified three key factors driving Oke’s exit:
- Failed Reconciliation – Repeated attempts to resolve factional disputes collapsed
- 2027 Calculations – Strategic repositioning ahead of next election cycle
- Federal Alignment – Seeking closer ties with Tinubu’s administration
PDP State Chairman Sunday Bisi downplayed the development, calling it “an expected move by someone who lost control of the party structure.” But opposition analysts warn this could trigger a domino effect among Osun’s remaining PDP lawmakers.
What’s Next?
- Oke expected to declare new party affiliation within 72 hours
- PDP may challenge his committee chairmanship retention
- Special election looms if resignation triggers defection lawsuits
The defection deals another blow to the PDP’s crumbling national structure, coming just weeks after the party lost its last South-South governor. As realignments intensify ahead of 2027, more high-profile exits appear imminent in what observers now call Nigeria’s “great political migration.”
