By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received a significant political boost in Ogun State on Friday as scores of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) defected to the party in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, declaring their support for the PDP’s Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello.
The defection ceremony, held at the Marquee of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, attracted party leaders, stakeholders and supporters from across the state, with the new entrants pledging to work for the victory of the PDP in the 2027 general elections.
The defectors, led by a two-term former PDP Chairman in Abeokuta North Local Government, Alhaji Ahmed Taiwo, included artisans, market women, youths and members of several professional and trade associations, including carpenters, hairdressers, tailors and other grassroots groups spread across the local government area.
Speaking on behalf of the new members, Taiwo said their decision to join the PDP was driven by what he described as Senator Obasanjo-Bello’s proven leadership, accessibility and impressive record of service to the people of Ogun Central.
He said the former senator had demonstrated a commitment to responsive representation and people-oriented leadership, qualities that convinced them she remains the most qualified candidate to represent the district at the National Assembly.
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According to him, the defectors are determined to mobilise support for Senator Obasanjo-Bello and other PDP candidates across their communities, polling units and various associations ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our decision is based on our belief in Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello’s capacity and her outstanding performance. We are joining the PDP to contribute our quota towards ensuring victory for the party and all its candidates in the next general elections,” he said.
Responding, Senator Obasanjo-Bello expressed gratitude to the defectors for reposing confidence in her leadership and the PDP, describing their decision as a strong indication of the growing acceptance of the party across Ogun Central.
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She assured the new members of equal opportunities within the party, irrespective of their former political affiliations, stressing that the PDP remains committed to inclusiveness, internal democracy and grassroots participation.
The senatorial hopeful reaffirmed her resolve to continue championing quality representation, promoting sustainable development and advancing policies that would improve the welfare and socio-economic well-being of the people of Ogun Central.
She urged the new members to remain steadfast, united and committed to strengthening the PDP’s structures at the grassroots as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Also addressing the gathering, the Ogun State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Abiodun Ogunremi, described the mass defection as a major milestone for the party, noting that it reflected increasing public confidence in the PDP’s vision and leadership.
He congratulated the defectors for identifying with the party and encouraged them to work harmoniously with existing members to consolidate the PDP’s presence across Ogun State.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the event was attended by the PDP House of Representatives candidate for Abeokuta North, Obafemi-Owode and Odeda Federal Constituency, Arc. Oladele Olaleye; the Ogun State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Abiodun Ogunremi; the Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Dotun Keshinro; the State Secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo; Board of Trustees member, Alhaji Fasiu Bakare; the State Treasurer, Hon. Bola Taiwo Mallam; Hon. Akintunde Azinge; the Abeokuta North PDP Chairman, Sen. Yusuf Oshunrinde; all sixteen PDP Ward Chairmen in Abeokuta North Local Government, as well as party leaders, stakeholders and supporters from across the state.
Political observers believe the latest wave of defections could further reshape the political landscape in Ogun Central as parties intensify grassroots mobilisation and strategic realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
