A member of the House of Representatives, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Oluwole Oke, has revealed that he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party because it has degenerated into toxic space and has deviated from its principles and values.
Oke made this known in a statement issued by his constituency office on Wednesday, few hours after the lawmaker announced his resignation in a letter he personally addressed to the PDP chairman of Ward 7, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.
The defection of Oke, a six term lawmaker under the PDP, got mixed reactions from his constituents and within the political circles in Osun State. While some accused him of “using and dumping” the party, others welcomed his decision.
“Contrary to conjectures making the rounds, Honourable Wole Oke’s decision is neither driven by political ambition nor the pursuit of electoral tickets—indeed, the current legislative tenure is just approaching its midpoint. Rather, it is born out of a conscientious response to prevailing realities that have become increasingly difficult to ignore.
“For me, politics has always been about the people,” Hon. Oke stated. “It has been about delivering on promises, attracting development to our communities, and building a society where justice, fairness, and inclusion are not just ideals, but lived realities,” the statement noted.
Justifying the lawmaker’s resignation and revealing reasons for his action, the constituency office claimed that, “In recent times, the atmosphere within the PDP—particularly at the state level—has fallen short of these ideals. The prevailing structure and conduct of the party have created an environment that stifles free expression, discourages genuine inclusion, and perpetuates a ‘winner-takes-all’ disposition that leaves vast sections of the political family and the constituents they represent, marginalised and unheard.
“Despite his long-standing contributions and unwavering loyalty, Honourable Oke has continued to witness, with deep concern, the systematic neglect of his Federal Constituency by the state government. The absence of infrastructural projects, meaningful intervention, or visible efforts to uplift the socio-economic fortunes of the people of Obokun and Oriade has become a glaring testament to the lack of political will and commitment.
“Furthermore, the internal processes of the party in the state have degenerated into a toxic space, devoid of the basic principles of internal democracy, dialogue, and mutual respect. As a parliamentarian and a firm believer in democratic norms, Honourable Oke has always championed the values of openness and accountability. Unfortunately, these values appear to have been relegated to the background, in favour of factionalism and exclusionary tactics.
“I cannot in good conscience continue to lend my name and presence to a platform that fails to reflect the very tenets upon which it was founded,” he remarked.”
The statement added, “Honourable Oke’s resignation does not signify the end of his political journey. Rather, it marks a courageous recalibration—an affirmation that political affiliation must always serve a higher purpose: the people.”
