More than 1,000 members of the Allied Peoples' Movement (APM) in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors, led by Hon. Mustapha Kazeem, were received into the APC at the party's state secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan. They cited years of poor treatment by Governor Seyi Makinde's administration as the reason for their defection.
The defection ceremony took place on Friday, with the Oyo State APC Chairman, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo, and other members of the state executive committee in attendance. Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Kazeem expressed dissatisfaction with the Makinde administration, alleging that the governor had not appreciated the loyalty and sacrifices of some of his political supporters.
Kazeem also alleged that some members of the governor's political structure in Oluyole had victimised members of his group for several years. He stated that these experiences informed their decision to join the APC, describing it as a platform capable of accommodating their interests. Kazeem added that the APM had become too closely associated with the Makinde administration.
The Chairman of APC in Oluyole Local Government Area, Dotun Oladipupo, presented the defectors to Adeyemo, who formally received them into the party. Adeyemo presented brooms to the new members as a symbol of their admission into the APC. He urged them to put their previous political differences behind them and commit themselves to the party's programmes and activities.
Adeyemo said the APC offered a platform for them to participate in what he described as the party's "Renewed Hope" project. The event was attended by several APC members, including the party's candidate for Oluyole Federal Constituency in the 2027 election, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, and its candidate for Oluyole State Constituency, Hon. Hakeem Lawal.
The defectors had decided to leave what Kazeem described as "deceit and propaganda," declaring that "enough is enough." Their defection has been seen as a significant blow to the APM and Governor Makinde's administration in Oyo State. The APC has welcomed the new members, hoping to strengthen its presence in the state.
The development has also raised questions about the future of the APM in Oyo State, with some analysts suggesting that the party may struggle to regain the lost members. The APC, on the other hand, is expected to benefit from the influx of new members, potentially boosting its chances in future elections.
Key points
- Over 1,000 APM members defect to APC in Oyo State.
- Defectors cite poor treatment by Governor Seyi Makinde's administration.
- Defection seen as significant blow to APM and Governor Makinde's administration.
