A significant shift in Oyo State's political landscape occurred as hundreds of supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Accord defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection ceremony, held at a private facility in Ibadan, was attended by prominent APC stakeholders, including the state chairman, Moses Alake Adeyemo, and the party's governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli. The defectors expressed confidence that the APC would form the next government in Oyo State.
Hon. Hammed Taoreed Ademola, the PDP candidate for Ibadan North East II State Constituency, led about 1,000 supporters into the APC, citing the political reality on the ground. Ademola, popularly known as "Lucky," stated that any ticket apart from the APC ticket is a mere tissue paper that cannot take a candidate anywhere in 2027. He and his supporters promised to work for the interest of the APC and Nigeria.
Another notable defector was Hon. Mustapha Kazeem, a staunch loyalist of Governor Seyi Makinde in Oluyole Local Government Area, who dumped the APM and joined the APC with over 1,000 supporters. An Accord aspirant from Ibadan North East II, Hon. Adedapo Ojo, also crossed over to the APC alongside hundreds of his supporters. Ojo described Accord as a distraction and urged voters to keep faith with the APC.
The defection ceremony was attended by several prominent APC stakeholders, including Adeyemo, Alli, his running mate, Adesoji Adedeji, and the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni. In his remarks, Ojo urged voters not to waste their time, energy, and resources on an unproductive exercise and instead pitch their tent with the APC.
Addressing the new members, Adeyemo assured them of full integration into the APC and equal opportunities with existing members. He urged them to immediately begin mobilising for the victory of all APC candidates in the 2027 general election, describing it as another opportunity for Nigerians to consolidate the gains of democratic governance.
Alli outlined aspects of his programme for Oyo State and pledged to run an inclusive administration that would treat all zones of the state fairly if elected governor in 2027. He expressed joy at the defection of reasonable individuals to the APC, stating that the hope for the party's success is getting brighter every day.
The mass defection has significant implications for the 2027 general election in Oyo State, with the APC gaining momentum. Key issues that may influence the election include the APC's ability to consolidate its gains, the party's programme for Oyo State, and its commitment to running an inclusive administration.
Key points
- Over 3,000 supporters from PDP, APM, and Accord joined the APC in Oyo State.
- Defectors cited the APC's prospects and political reality as reasons for their decision.
- The APC has gained momentum ahead of the 2027 general election in Oyo State.
