A significant shift in Nigeria's political landscape has occurred as Hammed Ademola, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ibadan North-East State Constituency 2 in the 2027 general elections, has abandoned his ticket to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State. Ademola, popularly known as Lucky, led over 3,000 supporters, including Adedapo Ojo, an Accord aspirant in the same constituency, to defect to the APC. This move is seen as a boost to the APC's presence in the state.
Ademola cited 'political realities' in the state as the reason for his defection. He stated that after conducting his due diligence, he realized that any ticket outside the APC would be ineffective in the 2027 elections. Ademola expressed his commitment to working for the APC's victory and promised to do his best in the interest of the party and Nigeria. His defection, along with that of his supporters, is expected to strengthen the APC's position in the constituency.
Adedapo Ojo, who defected from Accord, described his former party as a 'political distraction.' Ojo stated that he and his supporters had initially aimed to make Accord a credible alternative in the state but later realized that the APC was far ahead of other parties. He urged voters to align with the APC, citing the party's stronger position in the state. Ojo's defection, along with Ademola's, has been seen as a significant blow to the PDP and Accord.
The Chairman of the APC in Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, welcomed the new members and assured them of equal opportunities within the party. He urged them to work towards the APC's victory in the 2027 general elections. The reception of the defectors was attended by various APC leaders, including the party's deputy governorship candidate, Adesoji Adedeji, and the Oyo South Senatorial candidate, Aderemi Oseni.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the APC's governorship candidate in Oyo State, expressed his joy at the defection, stating that it was a positive development for the party. Alli promised to run an inclusive administration if elected in 2027 and vowed to address the state's challenges. He assured civil servants and pensioners of prompt payment of salaries and allowances and promised to establish standard ICT hubs across the state.
Alli outlined his plans for the state's development, including the establishment of functional general hospitals in all 33 local government councils. He also promised to equip the hospitals with modern facilities. The APC's plans for the state's development are expected to be a major factor in the 2027 elections.
The defection of Ademola and Ojo, along with their supporters, has been seen as a significant boost to the APC's presence in Oyo State. The party is expected to capitalize on the momentum generated by these defections to strengthen its position in the state. The 2027 general elections are expected to be a crucial test of the APC's and PDP's popularity in the state.
Key points
- Over 3,000 supporters join All Progressives Congress as PDP candidate cites 'political realities'
- Defections expected to strengthen APC's position in Oyo State
- APC's plans for state's development outlined by governorship candidate
