Several leaders, executive members and supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors were formally received by the Oyo State APC leadership at the party’s secretariat in Ibadan.
The group was led by Mogaji Saheed Oyewale, who previously served as the overall leader of the SDP in Oluyole and contested the Oyo State House of Assembly election on the party’s platform in 2023. Also among those who joined the APC was David Arowolo, who contested the 2024 local government chairmanship election under the SDP.
Other defectors included the former SDP chairman in Oluyole, Ganiyu Lawal, former secretary Adetunji Adewale, Woman Leader Taiwo Lasisi, Youth Leader Muritala Jeje, Publicity Secretary Afeez Agbongbon and Chairman of Ward Chairmen Mukaila Olayinka.
Members of the party’s local government executive committee and ward executives from the 10 wards in Oluyole were also reported to have joined the APC.
Speaking during the reception, Oyewale said the decision to leave the SDP was motivated by the desire to support what he described as the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He said the defectors wanted to contribute to the implementation of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that more SDP members could join the APC in the coming weeks.
Oyewale further claimed that the SDP structure had collapsed in Oluyole and predicted that similar developments could occur in other parts of Oyo State. He also pledged that the new APC members would work towards helping the party achieve victory in the 2027 elections.
Receiving the defectors, Oyo State APC Chairman Moses Adeyemo welcomed their decision and urged them to work together with existing party members.
Adeyemo highlighted ongoing Federal Government infrastructure projects, including the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road, as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to development.
The latest defections add to the growing political realignments taking place across Nigeria as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
For the APC, the entry of the SDP leaders could strengthen its grassroots structure in Oluyole and provide additional political manpower ahead of the elections.
The development also reflects the increasing movement of politicians between opposition and ruling parties as preparations for the next general elections intensify.
