Ogundoyin, Adekanmbi Receive Defectors As Ex-Ibarapa East Chairman, Adepoju Leads Over 2,000 APC Supporters to APM
The political landscape of Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State witnessed a major realignment on Sunday as more than 2,000 members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by a former local government chairman, Hon. Bimbo Adepoju, defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors were formally received by the APM governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, and the two-term Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who is seeking re-election for a third term.
The new entrants declared their support for Adekanmbi’s governorship ambition, the presidential aspiration of Governor Seyi Makinde and Ogundoyin’s re-election, alongside other candidates seeking elective positions 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.
Addressing the gathering, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin assured the defectors of equal treatment and opportunities within the party, emphasising that the APM remained an inclusive political platform where both existing and new members would enjoy equal access to privileges and opportunities.
He disclosed that the names of the defectors had been duly documented and included in the arrangement for the next phase of his economic empowerment programme, which he said would commence soon.
The Speaker expressed delight at the development, describing the influx of new members as a significant boost to the party’s political fortunes and expressing confidence that their entry would translate into a landslide victory for the APM in the 2027 elections.
On Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition, Ogundoyin described the 2027 election as a defining moment for Oyo State, stressing that the people must demonstrate their capacity to support one of their own for greater political leadership and national development.
He maintained that Makinde remained the best candidate among those aspiring to the presidency in 2027, adding that supporting his ambition was a collective responsibility that would test the political loyalty and sense of belonging of the people of Oyo State.
In his remarks, the APM governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, expressed appreciation to Adepoju and the thousands of his supporters for what he described as a courageous decision to identify with a political platform committed to good governance and sustainable development.
He assured the defectors that the party would not discriminate between old and new members, stressing that everyone would have equal opportunities to participate in its activities and benefit from available privileges.
Adekanmbi said the Makinde administration had laid a solid foundation for a prosperous Oyo State through its commitment to sustainable development, infrastructure and good governance, assuring that his administration would sustain and build on the existing development trajectory if elected governor.
Expressing confidence in his political credentials and track record in both public and private life, he declared himself the candidate to beat in the 2027 governorship election.
He, however, urged party members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation through aggressive door-to-door campaigns and direct engagement with voters, noting that victory at the polls would depend largely on the party’s ability to connect with the electorate.
Earlier, Hon. Bimbo Adepoju, a former Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government and former Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, explained that his decision to leave the APC followed growing disappointment with the party after initially joining it with the expectation that it would provide a better political alternative and facilitate development in the area.
He said the achievements of Governor Makinde and the political direction of the APM leadership were among the major considerations that influenced his decision to return to active political engagement with thousands of his supporters.
Hon. Adepoju particularly acknowledged the contributions of Ogundoyin, whom he described as his cousin, noting that the Speaker’s political leadership, relationship with the people and contributions to the development of Ibarapa East were among the factors that influenced his decision.
Explaining his grievances against the APC, the former council chairman said he had anticipated a better political experience when he joined the party but eventually became dissatisfied with its internal arrangements and leadership style.
He also criticised the APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, questioning his political record and capacity to attract the support of the electorate.
“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,” he said.
He maintained that the APC had lost considerable political ground in Ibarapa East and other areas where he claimed to have established strong grassroots political structures through years of mobilisation and engagement with the people.
According to him, the strength of the party in those areas was largely built on the commitment and political influence of individuals who worked closely with the grassroots, adding that his departure would put the sustainability of those structures to the test.
“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.
