By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
IBADAN, Oyo State — The political landscape in Oyo State witnessed a significant shift on Thursday as thousands of members from opposition political parties defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) during a political gathering held at Olomi Market Junction in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.
The event, attended by key leaders and candidates of the APM, was led by the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, alongside the party’s senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo.
The defectors were said to have come from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Accord Party, a development that party leaders described as a major boost to the APM’s grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ajadi welcomed the new members and described the APM as a party driven by the desire to promote good governance, peace, and economic development.
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“You have left your former political parties to join the Allied Peoples Movement because you believe in a better future for our people. APM is a party that is divinely blessed and committed to the welfare of the electorate,” Ajadi said.
The senatorial candidate urged the defectors to remain steadfast and actively participate in mobilisation efforts within their communities.
“My message to those who joined APM today is simple: stand firm and remain committed. Return to your local governments, wards, and polling units and begin mobilising people. Come 2027, let us make a difference together. APM is a great party that is ready to address the challenges confronting Nigerians and provide practical solutions for a better future,” he stated.
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Ajadi further called on residents across Oyo State who were yet to identify with the party to join what he described as a growing movement aimed at changing the country’s socio-economic fortunes.
According to him, the electorate must support candidates capable of delivering effective governance and improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
“We must acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde in Oyo State. His administration has brought visible development across various sectors and has given the people confidence in the government. The roads, educational reforms, healthcare interventions, and other developmental projects have positively impacted the lives of many residents.
“That is why many progressive-minded people are aligning with our movement today because they believe in the values of good governance, accountability, and service to the people, which Governor Makinde represents,” he said.
The APM senatorial candidate also used the occasion to offer prayers for the safe release of schoolchildren recently abducted at Ahoro-Esinle in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
“We pray that Almighty God grants the abducted children safety and that they are reunited with their families as soon as possible,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Hon. Adekanmbi urged voters to focus on the character, competence, and vision of candidates rather than merely their political affiliations.
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“The 2027 elections should be about choosing credible leaders who have the capacity to serve the people. Politics should ultimately translate into better lives for citizens, economic empowerment, and sustainable development,” Adekanmbi said.
The governorship hopeful praised Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as transformative leadership in Oyo State, noting that many residents were attracted to the APM because of their desire to sustain developmental initiatives and improve governance.
“Governor Makinde has demonstrated that purposeful leadership can transform lives and communities. His administration has recorded notable achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors. Many of the people joining our party today are inspired by the progress recorded under his leadership and desire to see governance that remains focused on development, accountability, and the welfare of the people,” Adekanmbi said.
He added that politics should be a platform for improving society and advancing the welfare of families and communities.
One of the prominent defectors, Hon. Adekola Yusuf Olatunde, a former senatorial aspirant under the Accord Party, said internal disagreements and a lack of consensus among party stakeholders influenced his decision to leave the party.
Olatunde alleged that the existence of multiple aspirants laying claim to the same elective positions had created uncertainty within the party structure.
“I decided to leave because I believe political parties should have unity and a clear direction. Where there is no consensus and there are disagreements over candidates, it becomes difficult to achieve collective goals. I have joined APM because I see a more organised platform with a shared vision for Oyo State,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the leadership of Adekanmbi, Ajadi, and other APM candidates, adding that the party stood a strong chance of electoral success in 2027.
“We are going to work hard, mobilise voters, and by the grace of God, APM will record victory in the 2027 elections,” Olatunde added.
The Merit Newspaper reports that other APM candidates present at the event included Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji, the party’s candidate for the Oluyole Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, and Hon. Waheed Akintayo, candidate for the Oluyole State Constituency seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The atmosphere at the rally was further enlivened by musical performances from renowned Juju musician and entertainer, Otunba Femi Fadipe popularly known as Femolancaster. The Ibadan-based artiste thrilled party supporters and guests with a blend of traditional Juju rhythms and contemporary sounds, adding colour and excitement to the political gathering.
Femolancaster, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Lancaster Records, performed alongside his group, Femolancaster and The Corporate Band, entertaining attendees and creating a festive atmosphere throughout the event.
The gathering also attracted party leaders, supporters, youth groups, women’s associations, and grassroots mobilisers from across Oluyole Local Government Area.
Political observers say the latest wave of defections could signal intensified political realignments in Oyo State as parties begin early preparations for the 2027 general elections. With political activities gradually intensifying ahead of the 2027 elections, the battle for influence and control of the state’s political landscape is expected to become increasingly competitive in the months ahead.
