By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
It was a jubilant atmosphere on Sunday, May 11, at Ketebo Ward, Osi-Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, as over 1,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially defected to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), signaling a major political shift in the region.
The decampees, who came from various communities including Itele, Odo-Pako, and parts of Ota, were warmly received by the NNPP leadership in a rally described as a “political homecoming.”
In his welcome address, the Ogun State NNPP Chairman and International Lawyer, Barrister Olufemi John Aina, commended the courage of the defectors, assuring them of full integration into the party’s structure.
“We don’t believe in second-class membership in NNPP,” Aina stated. “Every member, whether old or new, will be treated fairly and equally. This is a new dawn for Ketebo Ward and indeed for Ogun politics.”
Barrister Aina also used the occasion to criticize the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP in Nigeria’s political landscape, calling it a threat to the spirit of multiparty democracy.
“The APC and PDP have hijacked our democracy for too long. It’s time for a new narrative. NNPP has been restructured in Ogun State to offer a modern, people-driven alternative. We are ready for the 2027 general elections, and we will win convincingly,” he declared.
Leading the defectors, Prince Akinjide, a former PDP ward leader, declared that the mass exodus was driven by dissatisfaction with the PDP’s directionless leadership and a yearning for a party with genuine vision and people-oriented values.
“Our people are tired of the arrogance and the ‘use-and-dump’ attitude of PDP politicians in Ogun State,” Akinjide said. “We have found a new political home in NNPP, a party with a clear vision, strong leadership, and a future every Nigerian can be proud of.”
Akinjide added that the defectors were inspired by the leadership qualities of NNPP at both the state and national levels, citing the party’s commitment to inclusivity, internal democracy, and credible leadership.
Representing the NNPP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the party’s state secretary and deputy governorship candidate, Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo, urged the new members to remain committed and work together to strengthen the party.
“On behalf of Ambassador Ajadi, I welcome you into the NNPP family. We are excited to have such a strong team join our movement,” Arowolo said. “Our party believes in collective effort, and we are confident that, with unity, NNPP will bring the change Ogun State needs.”
She also conveyed Ajadi’s goodwill message and presented a donation to support the ward’s mobilization efforts.
Hon. Atele Jeremiah Nunayon, Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for Ogun West Senatorial District, has said that the 2027 electoral race will be intense, warning that some political parties and politicians may attempt to sway voters with material gifts such as tricycles and buses. He emphasized that the NNPP is not driven by such tactics but is instead committed to justice, enduring good governance, and meaningful development.
“We are focused on building social infrastructure, ensuring quality road networks, and improving the welfare of the people of Ogun State,” he stated.
All the defectors publicly tore their PDP membership cards in the presence of the gathering.”
One of the defectors, Oyedele Samuel Adisa, popularly known as ‘Wonder Man,’ expressed his joy after tearing his card, saying, ‘I am happy to say goodbye to the unfaithful political party called PDP.’
Other top party figures present at the event included the NNPP State Women Leader, Mrs. Foluke Precious Bagbansoro; the State Public Relations Officer, Comrade Omokehinde Olayemi Olowu; and the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government NNPP Chairman, Comrade Adeleke Saheed, popularly known as Ijaya.
Political analysts see this defection as a significant boost to NNPP’s grassroots strength in Ogun State, particularly in the populous Ado-Odo/Ota axis. The development may also signal rising discontent within the ranks of the PDP, which has struggled with internal divisions and waning influence in recent years.
As 2027 approaches, the NNPP’s growing momentum may reshape the political landscape of Ogun State and beyond, with its promise of inclusive governance and a citizen-first approach.
Watch the footage of the event below:
