A significant number of members from the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Oluyole local government area of Oyo state have switched their allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection, which took place on Friday, October 3, 2026, at the APC Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, was led by Honorable Mustapha Kazeem, popularly known as “Oba Oluyole”. The former APM members were formally received by the APC State Chairman, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo.
The leader of the defectors, Mr. Mustapha-Oba, expressed dissatisfaction with Governor Seyi Makinde's leadership style, describing him as “selfish and clueless”. According to Mr. Mustapha-Oba, Governor Makinde does not appreciate loyalty, good human relations, and sacrifice. He also alleged that the few people empowered by the governor have victimized most of the defectors for over seven years.
The defectors cited their reasons for leaving the APM, which they claimed had become Governor Makinde's private estate. They expressed their desire to join a political party that is worthy of its name and identified the APC as the only viable option. The defectors also stated that they were no longer interested in deceit and propaganda, which they claimed gave Governor Makinde an unmerited mandate to rule.
The Chairman of the APC in Oluyole local government area, Prince Dotun Oladipupo, presented the defectors to the APC Chairman, Otunba Moses Adeyemo. During the event, Adeyemo handed the defectors brooms as a symbol of their full admission into the party. He charged them to forget their past experiences and commit to the APC project, which he described as offering “Renewed Hope”.
Several APC members, including Hon. Fatai Adesina, Hon. Tunde Elegbede, Dr. Felicia Opatunde, Olawale Sadare, Comrade Olalekan Oladejo, and Alh. Lateef Akinsanya, were present to receive the defectors. The event also had in attendance the APC’s candidate for Oluyole Federal Constituency in 2027, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, and the party’s candidate for the Oluyole State Constituency, Hon. Hakeem Lawal.
The defection is seen as a significant blow to Governor Seyi Makinde's administration, with many of his loyalists now joining the opposition party. The APC has described the defection as a welcome development, with the party's leadership expressing confidence in their ability to provide a better platform for the defectors.
The mass defection has sparked mixed reactions in Oyo state, with some hailing the move as a courageous step towards a more progressive future. Others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the state's politics and governance. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the defection of over 1,000 APM members to the APC has added a new dimension to Oyo state's political landscape.
Key points
- Over 1,000 APM members in Oluyole local government area of Oyo state defect to APC.
- Defectors cite Governor Seyi Makinde's selfishness and cluelessness as reasons for their defection.
- The defection is seen as a significant blow to Governor Seyi Makinde's administration.
