A significant shift in political allegiance occurred in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, as Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, the immediate past Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, led 32 other prominent chieftains of the All Progressives Congress Movement (APM) and their supporters to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This event, described as a political earthquake, drew a large crowd of APC members and supporters, causing a three-hour halt in vehicular movement in the area.
The defectors, who arrived at a rally held at Oja'Gbo in front of Soun Ogunlola Hall, were welcomed by the APC state chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo. Other notable defectors included Alh. Rasak Gbadegesin, Hon. Timothy Oyeniyi, Hon. Alabi Olateju, Dr. Banji Folaranmi, and Hon. Isaiah Adegbite. The influx of new members is expected to strengthen the APC's grassroots structure across Ogbomoso Zone, potentially shifting the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ogunwuyi stated that they joined the APC to add value and expressed confidence that the party would win convincingly in Ogbomoso Zone. In response, Chief Adeyemo assured the new members of equal opportunities within the party and urged them to work hard to ensure the success of APC candidates in the upcoming elections.
One of the defectors, Dr. Banji Folaranmi, cited the APM's structure as a one-person party, with only Governor Makinde in control, as the reason for his defection. This move is seen as a realignment of political forces in Ogbomoso Zone, with the APC gaining momentum ahead of the next governorship election.
The defection is also expected to impact the governorship ambition of Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the APC candidate, who has described Governor Makinde's APM as a collapsing structure. Alli has called on those still in the APM to consider joining the APC, highlighting the significance of Ogunwuyi and other prominent politicians' decision to defect.
The event was attended by several eminent APC leaders, including Sen. Ayoade Adeseun, Sen. Brimoh Yusuf, and Chief Kemi Alao-Akala. Also present were the Director-General of Senator Sharafadeen Alli's campaign council, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, and other candidates, including the deputy governor, Hon. Adesoji Adedeji.
The development marks a significant shift in Oyo State's political landscape, with the APC poised to challenge the influence of Governor Makinde and the APM in Ogbomoso and its environs. As political activities intensify across the state, parties are positioning themselves for the next governorship election, with the APC seeking to capitalize on its newfound strength.
Key points
- Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, former CoS to Governor Seyi Makinde, leads 32 others to join APC in Ogbomoso.
- The defection is expected to strengthen the APC's grassroots structure across Ogbomoso Zone.
- The move could impact the 2027 governorship election, with the APC gaining momentum ahead of the polls.
