…Ogundoyin, Adekanmbi Receive Defectors
A former Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Bimbo Adepoju, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), leading more than 2,000 supporters into the party 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, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, at a gathering held at Eruwa Town Hall.
The reception took place during an economic empowerment programme organised by Ogundoyin for traders, artisans and vulnerable members of the community.
The new members declared their support for Adekanmbi’s governorship ambition, Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential aspiration and Ogundoyin’s bid for a third term in the Oyo State House of Assembly, alongside other APM candidates.
Speaking at the event, Ogundoyin assured the defectors of equal treatment and opportunities within the party, stressing that the APM would remain an inclusive platform for both existing and new members.
He disclosed that the names of the new members had been documented and included in plans for the next phase of his economic empowerment programme, which he said would commence soon.
The Speaker described the defection as a significant development for the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He also called on the people of Oyo State to support Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition, describing the election as an opportunity for the state to demonstrate its support for one of its own at the national level.
In his remarks, Adekanmbi thanked Adepoju and his supporters for joining the APM, assuring them that the party would not discriminate between old and new members.
He said the Makinde administration had laid a foundation for development through its focus on infrastructure, sustainable development and good governance, promising to sustain and build on the existing efforts if elected governor.
Adekanmbi also expressed confidence in his political experience and track record, declaring himself a contender in the 2027 governorship election. He urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation through door-to-door campaigns and direct engagement with voters.
Earlier, Adepoju, who also served as Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, explained that his decision to leave the APC was informed by dissatisfaction with the party’s internal arrangements and leadership style.
He said he initially joined the APC with the expectation that it would offer a better political alternative and promote development in Ibarapa East, but became disappointed with the party’s direction.
According to him, the achievements of Governor Makinde and the political direction of the APM leadership influenced his decision to return to active politics alongside thousands of his supporters.
Adepoju also acknowledged the role of Ogundoyin, whom he described as his cousin, saying the Speaker’s relationship with the people and contributions to Ibarapa East were among the factors that informed his decision.
The former council chairman further criticised the APC’s governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, questioning his record and political appeal.
“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 also claimed that the APC had lost considerable political ground in Ibarapa East and other areas where he had established grassroots political structures over the years.
Adepoju maintained that his departure would test the strength and sustainability of those structures, which he said had been built through years of grassroots mobilisation and engagement.
He expressed confidence in the APM’s prospects in the 2027 elections, saying he believed the party’s candidates would receive the support needed across the various elective positions.
