Oyo State’s political landscape is witnessing fresh realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections as prominent chieftains and scores of members of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ogo Oluwa and Surulere Local Government Areas have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The defectors, led by Apostle Taiwo Olaleru and Alhaji Bashiru Ganiyu, announced their decision to leave the APM, citing alleged deception and dishonesty within the party.
According to the group, they decided to seek a new political platform after becoming dissatisfied with developments in their former party and its leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Olaleru said they were convinced that the ADC offered a better political alternative as preparations begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
He expressed confidence in the party and its governorship aspirant, Olooye Adegoke, describing him as a politician they could trust with the future of Oyo State.
“We have discovered that we need to move to a better party, and we see the ADC and its governorship candidate, Olooye Adegoke, as the platform and person we can trust,” Olaleru said.
Also speaking, Ganiyu said the group believed the ADC had the capacity to provide improved leadership and deliver meaningful development to the people of the state.
He expressed optimism that the party’s governorship ambition would receive widespread support and ultimately succeed at the polls.
The defectors were formally received by the ADC governorship candidate, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, who welcomed them into the party.
Adegoke assured the new members that they would be given equal opportunities and encouraged them to work with existing members to strengthen the party’s structure across the state.
The development comes amid increasing political movements and realignments across Oyo State as politicians and political groups begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest defection is expected to further intensify political competition in the state, with major parties already working to expand their grassroots support and strengthen their structures ahead of the crucial polls.
