5,000 PDP Stalwarts Storm APC in Ogun: 'We Escaped Political Slavery'
Ilaro, Ogun State — In a seismic political shift that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's opposition ranks, no fewer than 5,000 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members from Ogun West Senatorial District have dumped the umbrella for the broom. The mass defection, which took place on Sunday in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area, was a thunderous show of force for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the clock ticks toward the 2027 general elections.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, the APC governorship candidate, and state party chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi officially received the newcomers into the party's fold. But the real fire came from the defectors themselves, led by former PDP state chairman Sikirullahi Ogundele, who did not mince words about why he and his loyalists walked away.
Why did these PDP leaders abandon their party?
Ogundele, who spent seven years in the PDP, painted a grim picture of a party in its death throes. His words were sharp, his metaphor even sharper.
“The truth is that there is nothing like the PDP again in the state; what is left behind is an empty shell, the umbrella which is the symbol of the party has been shredded into pieces, and some of us have escaped so as not to allow the PDP dilapidated house to collapse on us.”
He framed the decision as a matter of survival, not sentiment. Staying in the PDP, he argued, would be “political suicide” for experienced leaders who still have plenty to offer. The mass movement of governors and top politicians away from the PDP, he stressed, is living proof of the deep crisis tearing the opposition apart.
What did the defectors promise the APC?
Ogundele and his team didn't just switch sides; they came ready to work. He declared that the APC is “the next victorious party in the state come 2027 elections” and pledged to deploy his wealth of experience to mobilise support for a landmark win.
The list of notable names joining the APC is impressive: Chief Sina Adejobi, Mr Akinloye Bankole, former PDP Publicity Secretary Evangelist Soji Eweje, former Yewa North Local Government Chairman Alhaji Ganiu Dada (popularly known as Obanibasiri), and former PDP Woman Leader Chief Kemi Adeyemi, among others.
How did the APC respond to the 'Yayi' origin controversy?
The event also tackled a hot-button issue head-on: the controversy surrounding the Ogun roots of the APC governorship candidate, Adeola Yayi. Ogundele dismissed the allegations as a tired, recurring tactic in Ogun politics, reminding the crowd that similar claims were made against past governors and they all won anyway.
“They said Amosun is from Benin Republic, Daniel from Delta State, Osoba from Osogbo. Despite that, they all emerged as governors of the state. So, what is going on against Yayi now is an indication that he will also win.”
It's a bold prediction, but one rooted in the state's political history. The message to party faithful was clear: don't be distracted, keep your eyes on the prize.
What did Governor Abiodun and party leaders say?
State party chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi presented the APC's broom symbol to the defectors, assuring them they would maintain their leadership status within the party. He urged them to work assiduously in their wards to ensure the APC sweeps all elective positions in 2027.
Governor Abiodun welcomed the newcomers with open arms, praising their courage and vision.
“I want to thank those who have seen the light and have decided to be part of the APC. We value your courage and decision to join forces with us in the ruling party as we are more delighted to have notable politicians from the state believing in the leadership of the APC government in the state. I assure all of you that you will all be accommodated in the scheme of things. So let us all work together as one united family and deliver a landmark victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.”
With the PDP's umbrella in tatters and the APC's broom sweeping up the pieces, Ogun State's political landscape just got a whole lot more interesting. The 2027 battle lines are drawn, and one thing is certain: the ruling party is not just defending its turf, it's expanding it.
