A significant blow was dealt to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State on Sunday, as over 5,000 members defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The mass defection occurred during a major political rally in Ilaro, the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area. The defectors were primarily from the Ogun West Senatorial District and included former state PDP chairman Sikirullahi Ogundele.
Governor Dapo Abiodun officially welcomed the new members, accompanied by Senator Solomon Adeola, the APC governorship candidate, and Yemi Sanusi, the state party chairman. Ogundele, who led the mass exit, stated that he and other prominent leaders left the PDP to escape "political slavery." He described the PDP as an "empty shell" with its symbol, the umbrella, "shredded into pieces."
Ogundele noted that the ongoing mass movement of experienced politicians away from the PDP is evidence of a deep, unfixable crisis. He promised that the new members would deploy their vast political experience to secure a massive APC victory in 2027. The defectors included former local government chairmen and party spokespersons, who were assured by State APC Chairman Yemi Sanusi that they would retain their leadership status within the ruling party.
During his address, Ogundele dismissed the controversy surrounding Senator Adeola's true origin, which has been questioned by critics. He cited similar allegations made against former governors Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, and Ibikunle Amosun, suggesting that the current attacks on Adeola are a sign that he will win the upcoming election. Governor Abiodun praised the new members for their political courage and promised they would be fully integrated into the APC family.
The mass defection is a significant boost to the APC in Ogun State, which has been a stronghold of the PDP in the past. The APC is seeking to consolidate its power in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defectors' decision to join the APC is seen as a strategic move to position themselves for the upcoming elections.
The event was attended by several high-profile politicians, including former governors and senators. The defectors were formally presented with the APC's broom symbol, and they pledged their loyalty to the party. The APC is expected to use the momentum from the mass defection to launch a strong campaign in the state.
The mass defection has sparked reactions from various stakeholders in the state, with some hailing the move as a welcome development for the APC. Others have expressed concerns about the implications of the defection for the PDP and the state's political landscape. The development is expected to shape the state's politics in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
Key points
- Over 5,000 PDP members defected to the APC in Ogun State, citing "political slavery" within their former party.
- The defectors were primarily from the Ogun West Senatorial District and included former state PDP chairman Sikirullahi Ogundele.
- The mass defection is a significant boost to the APC in Ogun State, which has been a stronghold of the PDP in the past.
