Despite the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for re-election by the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has launched a blistering critique of the current administration, declaring that what Nigerians are witnessing is not the “Renewed Hope” promised during the 2023 campaign, but rather a period of “renewed agony.”

Oyinlola did not distanced himself from the endorsement, describing it as a strategic political move, not a declaration of ideological alignment or trust.

Recall that last week, July 22nd, 2025,  Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state endorsed the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

The endorsement came after a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Oke-Fia, Osogbo.

Also at the meeting, it was unanimously agreed that members should stay in the PDP after moves to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) have failed.

However, while accessing the President’s administration on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, On Tuesday, The PDP Elder stateman expressed deep concern over the state of the nation, accusing the current government of failing to deliver on its promises.

“When he was campaigning, he promised a Renewed Hope. What we are seeing now is nothing short of bad governance. The economy is in terrible shape, and it’s affecting every Nigerian,” he said.

Oyinlola pointed to widespread poverty, insecurity, and the deteriorating quality of life as evidence that the administration has not only fallen short but has worsened conditions for ordinary citizens.

“We have a very bad economy, bad security, and hard-biting poverty. The common man cannot afford basic medication. We are also plagued by religious tension, war, banditry, terrorism, and insurgency. What we have is renewed agony not renewed hope,” he declared.

The former governor, who once served as the National Secretary of the breakaway New PDP, reiterated that he has no cause to return to the APC, despite being part of the original merger that gave birth to the ruling party in 2013.

GALE OF DEFECTION AND HURRICANE TINUBU

Speaking on the recent gale of defection, Oyinlola, alleged that governors across the country are under intense pressure to defect to the ruling party. A move he described as a calculated effort to weaken opposition structures ahead of future elections.

“It is an open secret that many governors are under pressure for them to join the ruling party.” According to him, what is playing out in Osun State is a reflection of broader national trends where political actors use their positions of influence to impose their will without regard for democratic norms. “What is playing in Osun today is a matter of might is right. It is a matter of, ‘I’m here and I’ll do what I think is right,’” he said.

The former Governor claimed that the Presidency has made several overtures to the current Osun State Governor, including meetings aimed at persuading him to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). “It is obvious that there has been discussion from the Presidency together with the governor. The Presidency is desirous of having him swing over,” he stated.

However, He expressed concern over the political implications of such a move, warning that the APC lacks popular support in Osun. “APC is not popular in Osun State. So, if he rolls over and the people rule him out, that’s double jeopardy. He is in serious dilemma and I really pity him,” he said.

He advised the governor to prioritise the welfare of his people in whatever decision he makes. “If I were the one, I’d go and beg Me President, on behalf of my own people, to give us our funds,” he said, referencing the ongoing controversy surrounding local government allocations.