Politics
More troubles for Oyo PDP as 5 groups, 7,000 members abandon the party for APC
Palpable tension enveloped the Oyo state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday as leaders and members of five popular groups within its camp abandoned the ruling party for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the build-up to the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections billed for this Saturday.
There has been intense horse-trading between the PDP and APC in recent times in Oyo state as the two major political parties engage themselves in a superiority battle especially as the next phase of the 2023 general election draws closer and despite the outcome of the presidential and national assembly elections of February 25 which favoured the APC more than the ruling PDP and other popular parties in the state such as Accord, SDP, LP, and NNPP.
Among the different pro-PDP groups which mobilized their respective members to the Oke-Ado Secretariat of Oyo APC on Monday for formal defection and official declaration of support for the gubernatorial ambition of Senator Teslim Folarin is; Omititun Youth Vanguard led by Comrade Sanyaolu Adeyemo, GSM Marines under being coordinated by Comrade Yemi Oyebamiji, All Youth Grand Alliance under the leadership of Isamotu Twins, IBK Vanguard of Mr Ibukun Olu-Afolabi and another group led by Comrade Afolami Afolabi.
Speakers from each of the groups did not mince words to express regret for supporting Gov. Makinde before, during, and after the 2019 election which enabled him to emerge as the executive governor of the state in 2019. They also added that quit the PDP when it was clear that a better alternative existed in the APC which has retained power at the centre and has been positioned to dislodge the incumbent PDP government from office through democratic means this Saturday.
While welcoming the defectors; the state chairman of the APC, Hon. Isaac Omodewu, eulogized them for taking the bold step “by jumping out of the sinking PDP boat at the time and also for identifying the APC as the right alternative. Oyo APC is Noah’s ark of our contemporary Nigeria and anyone who looks away from the broom party is doing himself a lot of harm than good. We have found that your respective groups are populated by more than seven thousand people and we are using this medium to encourage you to use your strength in favour of the APC come Saturday.
Also speaking at the event; the state secretary of the APC, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite, and vice chairman (Oyo Central), Hon. (Dr.) charged the new members of the APC to put the memory of whatever they went through in the PDP behind them and focus their attention on the massive mobilization of the good people of the state to vote the candidates of the APC in this Saturday election promising them that all their desires would be met in the government of the broom party at the centre and in the state if elected.
Oyo APC chieftains present at the event include; Alh. Olalekan Busari, Mrs. Taiwo Moteleola, Princess Adenike Adebowale, and Olawale Sadare. Also, among those who led the defectors are; Mr Adedayo Ojo, Engr. Festus Adefemi, Comrade Olayiwola Adesanmi, Mrs Tosin Oladokun, Comrade Wale Popoola, Mr Lanre Yusuff, Mr Abiodun Abdullahi, Taiwo Adedeji and Adesola Musibau.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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