A significant shift in the political landscape of Oyo state occurred on Thursday as scores of All Progressives Congress (APC) members from Ibadan south-west local government area defected to the Allied Peoples' Movement (APM). The defectors were welcomed by Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide Odidiomo, the APM's Oyo south senatorial candidate and a lawmaker representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituency in the House of Representatives.
This development is part of a series of defections and political realignments involving APC members and other parties across Oyo State. The APM is increasingly positioning itself as a major platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. The new members, drawn from various political wards and groups, including artisans, pledged their loyalty to the APM and expressed readiness to contribute to the party's growth.
Speaking at the UMC Primary School, Molete, Ibadan, Hon. Olajide Odidiomo assured the defectors that the APM would provide a platform for all members to participate meaningfully in the political process. He urged them to regard their move as a political decision aimed at contributing to community and state development, while calling for commitment to the party's ideals and strengthening its structures.
Odidiomo emphasized that the APM would operate an all-inclusive platform where members could contribute to decision-making and pursue their political aspirations. He charged the new members to take ownership of the party at the grassroots, stressing that the APM's success in the 2027 elections depended on members' commitment, mobilization, and unity.
The APM lawmaker appealed to existing members to accommodate the new entrants and work together as one family. He noted that the party's growing strength should translate into tangible benefits for the people at the grassroots. The defectors expressed satisfaction with their decision to join the APM, pledging to mobilize supporters and networks for the party's success in Ibadan South-West and beyond.
The defectors described their move as a strategic decision and promised to work with the APM leadership to strengthen the party's grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 elections. This latest defection is expected to impact the political landscape in Oyo state, with the APM gaining momentum as a major player.
The growing trend of defections to the APM in Oyo state suggests a shift in the state's political dynamics. As the 2027 general elections approach, political parties are intensifying efforts to consolidate their positions and expand their membership. The APM's ability to attract significant numbers of APC members could potentially alter the balance of power in the state.
Key points
- The defection of scores of APC members to the APM in Oyo state is a significant development in the state's political landscape.
- The APM is increasingly positioning itself as a major platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The defectors have pledged their loyalty to the APM and expressed readiness to contribute to the party's growth.
