Abiodun, Yayi Receive 5,000 Ogun PDP Defectors Into APC

No fewer than 5,000 members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors, mostly from the Ogun West Senatorial District, formally joined the APC during an event held on Sunday in Ilaro, the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area.

They were received into the ruling party by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the APC governorship candidate, and the state party chairman, Yemi Sanusi.

Former Ogun PDP chairman Sikirullahi Ogundele led several other former party leaders and members into the APC. He said his decision followed what he described as prolonged internal problems within the PDP.

Ogundele, who spent seven years in the PDP, said the movement of several governors and other prominent politicians away from the party reflected the challenges facing the opposition party.

He also urged APC supporters to disregard claims questioning the eligibility of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, to contest the Ogun governorship election based on his origins.

Ogundele argued that similar questions had been raised against some previous governors of the state, including Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, before their respective elections.

Among those who joined the APC were former PDP publicity secretary Akinloye Bankole, Chief Sina Adejobi, Evangelist Soji Eweje, former Yewa North Local Government chairman Alhaji Ganiu Dada, popularly known as Obanibasiri, and former PDP women leader Chief Kemi Adeyemi.

Sanusi presented the APC symbol to the new members and assured them that they would be integrated into the party while retaining their roles and influence within their respective areas.

He also urged the defectors to mobilise support for the APC across their wards ahead of the 2027 elections.

Abiodun welcomed the former PDP members, saying the party would accommodate and integrate them into its structure. He called for cooperation among members as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.