Ipokia, Ogun State — A major political development unfolded in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State over the weekend, as Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, the former governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the 2019 elections, officially returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with hundreds of his supporters.
The homecoming ceremony, held in Ipokia town, was led by a prominent leader of the APC in the area, Chief Musibau Obanla, who rallied other key stakeholders of the party to welcome Akinlade back into the APC fold.
Chief Obanla, while addressing the gathering, described Akinlade’s return as “a moment of political reconciliation and renewed strength” for the APC in Ogun West. He said the return of Akinlade, who served as a former member of the House of Representatives and was a strong contender in the 2019 governorship race, signals a strategic boost for the party ahead of future elections.
“We are here today not only to welcome our brother back home, but also to assure all loyal members and returning stakeholders that the APC remains a united family. The reconciliation between party members and the return of our own Adekunle Akinlade is a sign that we are stronger and more focused than ever before,” Obanla stated.
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Hon. Akinlade, while addressing his supporters and APC members at the event, said his decision to return to the APC was based on careful consideration and wide consultations with political leaders and grassroots supporters across Ogun State. He emphasized the importance of unity in building a progressive political future for the people of the state.
“I have returned home to work with all of you in building the APC stronger. Our vision has not changed; it is about service to the people and ensuring that development reaches every part of our state. I am happy to be back, and I assure everyone of my full commitment to the party’s success,” Akinlade said.
Political observers believe Akinlade’s return to the APC could realign political forces in Ogun West, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. His defection is also seen as a reflection of the APC’s internal reconciliation efforts and outreach to estranged members who left during past political tensions.
The event was attended by ward and local government party executives, youth and women leaders, and traditional leaders who all pledged their support for the renewed unity in the party.
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With this development, the APC in Ogun State appears to be reinforcing its political base, especially in the Yewa axis, which has remained a strategic zone in the state’s political equation.
