BREAKING: Political tsunami in Ogbomoso as Femi Onireti pulls out of PDP

BREAKING: Political tsunami in Ogbomoso as Femi Onireti pulls out of PDP

Yinka ADETUNJI

A political tsunami has hit the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Ogbomoso as Hon Olufemi Onireti has resigned from the party.

Dumping the party along with him are thousands of his supporters and followers including SAs and other political appointees.

His leaving the party might not unconnected with the uncertainties ravaging the party especially as it concerns the next general elections in 2027.

Meanwhile, according to his resignation letter, which he addressed to the party chairman in Osupa ward 9, he only have a vague reason for his defection. He however thanked the party for the opportunity given to him all this while to express his political interests especially presenting him for election in 2023.

The letter dated April 2, 2026, which he personally signed and titled, “Letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party,” reads: “I, Olufemi Onireti, hereby formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately.”

He admitted he found it difficult dumping the party but that circumstances have dictated his action.

“This decision has not been an easy one, especially considering my active involvement with the party, including my candidacy for the House of Representatives in the last election.

“However, after a period of deep personal reflection, I believe it is the right step for me at this time.”

Expressing gratitude to the party, he submitted, “I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the relationships and experiences I gained during my time in the party. I also appreciate the platform the party provided for political participation and growth.

“Please accept this letter as my formal notice of resignation from the party,” while wishing “the party well in its future endeavours.”

He didn’t disclose his next political party but sources say he is being wooed by a number of parties.

Onireti of Akinsi compound Osupa Ogbomoso contested the 2023 House of Representatives’ election on the platform of the PDP to represent Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire federal constituency though lost narrowly to the incumbent, Hon Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Onireti has been involved in a lot of philanthropy to uplift the society such as donating equipment and other items to hospitals, distributing wheelchairs and crutches, unfolding various education support programmes, empowerment programmes, providing public utilities like boreholes, culvert, streetlight and so on.

He has a large support base in the constituency and his defecting from the PDP would be a big loss to the party, a party already riddled with various crises.