BREAKING: THOUSANDS DUMP APC, ADC, ACCORD FOR APM IN MAJOR OYO POLITICAL SHAKE-UP

 THOUSANDS DUMP APC, ADC, ACCORD FOR APM IN MAJOR OYO POLITICAL SHAKE-UP

A major political realignment appears to be unfolding in Oyo State after thousands of members from different political parties reportedly defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) during a large political gathering held in Ibadan on Thursday.

The development, which political observers say could reshape early preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, saw former members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Accord Party officially join the APM at an event held around Olomi Market Junction in Oluyole Local Government Area.

The gathering was attended by key party leaders, including APM’s 2027 governorship hopeful in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, alongside the party’s senatorial candidate for Oyo Central, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo.

Speaking during the event, Ajadi described the wave of defections as a major boost for the party’s growing grassroots movement and expressed confidence in the APM’s political future in the state.

According to him, the new members joined the party because of their belief in a political platform focused on good governance, economic development, peace, and improved welfare for citizens.

He urged the defectors to remain committed and return to their various local government areas, wards, and polling units to begin mobilising support ahead of the next election cycle.

Ajadi also called on more residents across Oyo State to align with what he described as a growing movement seeking better governance and practical solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

During his address, the senatorial candidate acknowledged what he described as the developmental achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that infrastructure projects, reforms in education, healthcare improvements, and other initiatives had strengthened public confidence in governance within the state.

He stated that many people were increasingly identifying with political movements that promote accountability, service delivery, and developmental leadership.

Ajadi also used the occasion to pray for the safe release of schoolchildren recently abducted in Ahoro-Esinle community in Orire Local Government Area, expressing hope for their safe reunion with their families.

Also addressing supporters, governorship aspirant Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi urged residents to focus more on competence, character, and leadership vision when making electoral decisions rather than merely considering party affiliation.

He said the 2027 elections should center on electing credible leaders capable of improving citizens’ welfare, expanding economic opportunities, and delivering sustainable development.

Adekanmbi similarly praised Governor Makinde’s administration, describing the state government’s performance in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and governance reforms as evidence of purposeful leadership.

According to him, several residents joining the APM were motivated by a desire to sustain development-oriented governance and ensure accountability in public service.

One of the notable defectors at the event, Hon. Adekola Yusuf Olatunde, a former senatorial aspirant under Accord Party, explained that internal disagreements and leadership disputes within his former party influenced his decision to leave.

He alleged that unresolved disputes involving multiple aspirants contesting similar political positions created uncertainty within the party structure.

Olatunde said he decided to join the APM because he considered it a more organised political platform with clearer direction and stronger leadership.

He expressed confidence that the party would remain competitive ahead of the 2027 elections, pledging to mobilise support for its candidates across the state.

Other APM candidates present at the event included Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji, candidate for the Oluyole Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat, and Hon. Waheed Akintayo, candidate for the Oluyole State Constituency seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly.

The political rally also featured entertainment performances that attracted supporters, youth groups, women associations, party stakeholders, and grassroots mobilisers from different communities within Oluyole Local Government Area.

Political analysts say the latest defections may signal the beginning of intensified political restructuring in Oyo State as political parties gradually position themselves for the increasingly competitive 2027 general elections.