More than 1,000 members of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending their longstanding association with the party and criticising Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership.
The defectors, led by Hon. Mustapha Kazeem, popularly known as Oba Oluyole, formally joined the APC on Friday during a ceremony held at the party’s state secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
They were received by the APC State Chairman and former Deputy Governor, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo, alongside members of the party’s State Executive Committee.
Speaking on behalf of the former APM members, Kazeem accused Governor Makinde of failing to recognise loyalty, sacrifice and strong political relationships, despite benefiting from collective political efforts.
He also alleged that some individuals empowered by the governor had subjected party members in Oluyole to years of victimisation.
According to him, their decision to leave the APM followed prolonged dissatisfaction with the party’s internal structure and leadership.
Kazeem described the APM as a political platform controlled by the governor and said the defectors had chosen to align with the APC, which he identified as a party that better reflected their political aspirations.
He further criticised what he termed deceit and propaganda in the state’s political landscape, declaring that the group was no longer willing to remain part of what he considered an unsatisfactory political arrangement.
Presenting the new members to the state party leadership, the APC Chairman in Oluyole, Prince Dotun Oladipupo, facilitated their formal reception.
Adeyemo welcomed the defectors and presented them with brooms, a symbol of the APC, to mark their entry into the party.
He urged them to put their previous political differences behind them and demonstrate commitment to the party’s activities and objectives, describing the APC as a platform offering them a renewed sense of hope.
Other party chieftains present at the event included the APC State Secretary, Hon. Fatai Adesina; State Financial Secretary, Hon. Tunde Elegbede; Dr Felicia Opatunde; Olawale Sadare; Comrade Olalekan Oladejo; and Alhaji Lateef Akinsanya.
Also in attendance were Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, the APC’s candidate for Oluyole Federal Constituency in the 2027 elections, and Hon. Hakeem Lawal, the party’s candidate for Oluyole State Constituency, among other party members.
 in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending their longstanding association with the party and criticising Governor Seyi Makinde's leadership.){kind=link}