In a move that could reshape the political landscape of Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general election, 5,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The mass defection was announced at a reception held on Sunday at the Agunloye Pavilion in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area.
The ceremony was attended by APC state chairman Yemi Sanusi, Governor Dapo Abiodun, APC governorship candidate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola – better known as Yayi – and other senior party leaders. The defectors were mainly drawn from the Ogun West Senatorial District.
Former PDP state chairman Sikirullahi Ogundele explained that the shift was driven by what he described as “political slavery” within the PDP, after spending seven years in the party. He warned that the exodus of governors and prominent politicians signalled a deep crisis in the PDP and that remaining leaders risked political suicide.
“They said Amosun is from Benin Republic, Daniel from Delta State, Osoba from Osogbo. Despite that, they all emerged as governors of the state. So, what is going on against Yayi now is an indication that he will also win,” Ogundele said.
During the event, Yemi Sanusi presented the APC “broom” symbol to the new members and assured them that they would retain leadership roles within the party. He urged the defectors to work diligently in their wards to secure APC victories in all elective positions in 2027.
Governor Abiodun praised the defectors for taking the bold step to join the ruling party, adding that they would be fully accommodated and integrated into APC structures.
- Past governors cited in the controversy: Aremo Olusegun Osoba (1999), Otunba Gbenga Daniel (2003), Ibikunle Amosun (2011)
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
