House of Representatives hopeful for Obokun-Oriade Federal Constituency, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has criticized outgoing lawmaker Wole Oke, insisting that voters – not political authority – will determine the outcome of the next election.
Olajengbesi, who is also the convener of the Imol Grassroots Mobilization Network, refuted Oke’s claims that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has neglected the constituency. He released his response in a statement on Saturday.
He also dismissed as “ridiculous” Oke’s claim that military authorities had approved his request for military fortification ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election. Oke, who has represented the constituency since 2003 and recently defected from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), had suggested on social media that new military formations would be located in the area ahead of the elections.
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Olajengbesi said it was “surprising” that Oke had “suddenly remembered” the constituency as another election was approaching, accusing him of contributing little during his more than two decades in the National Assembly.
He said, “The same representative who could not attract infrastructure, who offered more excuses than results and who failed to uplift the constituency entrusted to him for more than 20 years, now wants to hide behind cheap publicity.”
He further alleged that Oke “made money from the people's votes for years” and argued that the lawmaker lacked the moral standing to criticize Adeleke, whom he praised for what he described as remarkable achievements despite financial constraints and political opposition.
Olajengbesi said Adeleke has provided “solid infrastructure, welfare policies and innovative people-centred programmes”, adding that the governor is “the only governor in Nigeria who has refused general security votes”.
He also rejected Oke's claim regarding military deployment, saying, “It is therefore ridiculous that anyone would suggest that the Nigerian military … will become a tool for personal political recognition for any individual.”
Olajengbesi concluded that voters in Osun State now demand “performance, not drama” and accountability, not what he calls “political rights”.
