The political landscape in Ogbomoso witnessed a major realignment on Tuesday as former Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, led 32 other chieftains of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection, which attracted a large crowd of party members and supporters, took place at Oja’Gbo, in front of Soun Ogunlola Hall, Ogbomoso, where vehicular movement was disrupted for over three hours as supporters gathered to witness the event.
Among the prominent defectors were Alhaji Rasak Gbadegesin, popularly known as Agbeti; Hon. Timothy Oyeniyi; Hon. Alabi Olateju; Dr. Banji Folaranmi; Hon. Isaiah Adegbite; Hon. Peter Oyetunji; and the APM Chairman in Ogbomoso North Local Government, Hon. Jimoh Sikiru.
Also in the delegation were council secretaries, chiefs of staff, supervisory councillors and special assistants serving in Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Areas.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ogunwuyi said they joined the APC to contribute to the party’s growth and strengthen its political fortunes in the state, expressing confidence that the party would record a convincing performance in Ogbomoso Zone in the 2027 general elections.
Welcoming the new members, the APC State Chairman, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, assured them of equal opportunities within the party, urging them to work collectively towards the success of its candidates in the 2027 elections.
Explaining his decision to leave the APM, Dr. Banji Folaranmi described the party as a one-man organisation, alleging that Governor Makinde exercised overwhelming control over its affairs.
The APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who also welcomed the defectors, described their decision as a significant political development, arguing that the movement of prominent figures out of the APM reflected growing disaffection within the party.
Alli described the APM as a collapsing political structure and urged those still in the party to reconsider their allegiance.
“For the likes of Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, Alh. Rasak Agbeti and other politicians of substance to abandon Governor Makinde, it means a lot. I use this medium to tell the few ones that are still there to leave now and join us in the APC,” he said.
The defection is expected to reshape political alignments in Ogbomoso ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly given the positions previously held by some of the defectors in the Makinde administration and local government structures.
It also represents a new development in the unfolding political contest between the APC and the APM in Oyo State, with both parties seeking to consolidate their support base across the state’s political zones.
Prominent APC leaders at the rally included former senators Ayoade Adeseun and Brimoh Yusuf; Chief Kemi Alao-Akala; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olagunju Ojo; Chief Akin Oke; Alhaji Bashiru Akataapa; Hon. Aderemi Adepoju; and Hon. Abiodun Adeyemo, popularly known as Obadoba, alongside members of the state APC executive committee.
Also present were the Director-General of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Council, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, and his deputy, Hon. Sola Ogunbode.
Other political figures and candidates in attendance included the deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Adesoji Adedeji; Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan; Hon. Segun Odebunmi; and Hon. Olamijuwon Alao-Akala.
