A major political earthquake has struck the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North federal Constituency, Oyo State, as a powerful wave of defections has hit the party ahead of the August 16 federal constituency bye-election. Former councilors, their hundreds of followers, and key grassroots politicians have officially dumped the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defection, facilitated by Hon. Demola Omotoso, current Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation and Director-General of the PDP Campaign Council for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, took place during the Ibadan North PDP weekly meeting held at the party secretariat in Yemetu.
Hon. Omotoso described the event as a “political homecoming of giants,” welcoming the returning political heavyweights, whom he referred to as “big fish who understand the political terrain of Ibadan North like the back of their hands.”
The defectors include Hon. Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Fire, from Ward 4; Hon. Rasheed Oladoja of Ward 5; Hon. Saheed Ademola of Ward 8; Hon. Laide Durodola from Ward 10; and Hon. Atiku from Ward 6, among others.
The former councilors cited frustration and lack of accommodation in the APC as reasons for their defection. They expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to deliver good governance and promised to work towards the party’s victory in the upcoming bye-election.
Hon. Matthew Alani Oyeniyi, former House of Representatives aspirant and ex-councilor of Ward 12, expressed his enthusiasm for the defection, describing it as a strategic move towards a common goal. “I’m thrilled that my colleagues have chosen to join forces with us in the PDP, united by our shared confidence in Hon. Demola Omotoso’s leadership,” he said.
“Together, we’ll work tirelessly to drive the party’s growth, progress, and development, leveraging our collective strengths to achieve success.”
The Oyo State PDP Youth Leader and Acting Publicity Secretary, Hon. Michael Ogunsina, declared that the tide has clearly turned in favor of the PDP, and Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle (DON), the PDP consensus candidate, shall be declared the winner of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election.
The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, praised the leadership of Governor Makinde and the growing unity within the PDP. He boldly stated that more APC members will continue to defect before the August 16 election.
With this mass defection, the PDP in Ibadan North has not only gained political strength but has sent a strong message to the opposition. As August 16 approaches, the race for Ibadan North Federal Constituency is heating up, and the PDP appears to be solidifying its grip with every passing day.
This mass defection is a significant blow to the APC’s chances in the bye-election. The APC has been on a bumpy path to 2027, adjusting to its role as an opposition party after losing the 2019 election. The party has also faced internal conflicts, with some members resisting attempts to impose a governorship candidate. The APC’s promise to reclaim Oyo State from the PDP in 2027 may face significant challenges.
