More than 2,000 members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State have defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), led by former council chairman, Hon. Bimbo Adepoju, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors were formally received on Sunday by the APM governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who is seeking re-election for a third term.
The new members declared their support for Adekanmbi’s governorship ambition, Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential aspiration and Ogundoyin’s re-election, alongside other candidates contesting on the APM platform.
The reception took place at Eruwa Town Hall during an economic empowerment programme organised by Ogundoyin for traders, artisans and vulnerable members of the community.
APC Members defect to APM As Ogundoyin Welcomes APC Defectors
Addressing the gathering, Ogundoyin assured the defectors of equal treatment and opportunities within the APM, stressing that the party remained an inclusive platform where old and new members would enjoy equal access to its privileges.
He disclosed that the names of the new members had been documented and included in arrangements for the next phase of his economic empowerment programme, which he said would commence soon.
The Speaker described the influx of new members as a significant boost to the party’s political fortunes, expressing confidence that the development would translate into victory for the APM in the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition, Ogundoyin described the 2027 election as a defining moment for Oyo State, saying the people must demonstrate their capacity to support one of their own for greater political leadership and national development.
He described Makinde as the best candidate among those aspiring to the presidency in 2027, adding that supporting the governor’s ambition was a collective responsibility for the people of the state.
Adekanmbi Welcomes Defectors, Urges Grassroots Mobilisation
The APM governorship candidate, Adekanmbi, thanked Adepoju and his supporters for what he described as a courageous decision to join a political platform committed to good governance and sustainable development.
He assured the defectors that the party would not discriminate between existing and new members, promising equal opportunities to participate in its activities and benefit from available privileges.
Adekanmbi also praised the Makinde administration for laying what he described as a solid foundation for a prosperous Oyo State through investments in infrastructure, sustainable development and good governance.
He promised to sustain and build on the administration’s development efforts if elected governor in 2027.
Expressing confidence in his public and private sector record, Adekanmbi declared himself the candidate to beat in the next governorship election.
He, however, urged party members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation through door-to-door campaigns and direct engagement with voters, saying electoral victory would depend largely on the party’s ability to connect with the electorate.
Why Adepoju Left APC for APM
Explaining his decision to leave the APC, Adepoju, a former Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government and former Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, said he became disappointed with the party after initially joining it with the expectation that it would offer a better political alternative and promote development in the area.
He said the achievements of Governor Makinde and the political direction of the APM leadership were among the major factors that influenced his decision to return to active politics with thousands of his supporters.
Adepoju also acknowledged Ogundoyin’s contributions to Ibarapa East, describing the Speaker, whom he identified as his cousin, as a political leader whose relationship with the people and development efforts influenced his decision.
The former council chairman said his dissatisfaction with the APC stemmed from its internal arrangements and leadership style, which he claimed did not meet his expectations.
He also criticised the APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, questioning his political record and ability to attract electoral support.
“I have known Senator Sharafadeen Alli for about 35 years. He has been a senator for almost four years, yet it is difficult to point to what he has done for our people. I cannot continue to follow somebody when I no longer believe in his political direction,” Adepoju said.
He further claimed that the APC had lost considerable political ground in Ibarapa East and other areas where he said he had built grassroots political structures through years of mobilisation and engagement.
According to him, the party’s influence in those areas was largely built through the commitment of individuals who worked closely with grassroots communities, adding that his departure would test the strength and sustainability of those structures.
”We want the best, and I believe that since Adekanmbi is our governorship candidate, we will win. The same applies to the senatorial election and our other candidates. By the grace of God, we are going to win,” he said.
The defection marks a significant political development in Ibarapa East ahead of the 2027 elections, with the APM seeking to strengthen its grassroots presence through the entry of Adepoju and his supporters.
