The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has received a fresh boost ahead of the 2027 general elections following the defection of several former ward leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun East Senatorial District.
The defectors, drawn from Ijebu North, Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East and Odogbolu Local Government Areas, were formally received into the APC by Governor Dapo Abiodun at a meeting held in Abeokuta on Wednesday evening.
The development is being seen as another sign of the growing political strength of the ruling party in Ogun East, with the former opposition leaders pledging to support the APC-led administration and its development agenda.
Receiving the new members, Governor Abiodun described the APC as the dominant political platform in Ogun State, questioning the continued relevance of opposition parties after their defeats in previous elections.
Abiodun said his administration had chosen to focus on governance and infrastructure rather than political distractions, stressing that the government was committed to completing projects inherited from previous administrations.
“We don’t make noise, we don’t drink whisky or Hennessy; we work to ensure the continuous development of the state,” the governor said.
He cited the completion of projects such as the hospital and Buhari Estate as evidence of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that public projects funded with taxpayers’ money were not abandoned.
According to him, completing inherited projects was part of his administration’s responsibility to the people, regardless of the government that initiated them.
The governor urged the defectors to actively promote the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring them that they would be fully integrated into the party.
He also disclosed that a larger rally would soon be organised to formally celebrate the entry of the new members into the APC.
State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, welcomed the defectors, describing their decision to join the ruling party as a wise one.
He maintained that the APC remained an inclusive platform capable of accommodating individuals from different political backgrounds and providing opportunities for members to contribute to Ogun State’s development.
The defectors also explained their reasons for leaving the opposition.
Former PDP Ward 2 Chairman in Ijebu North, Hon. Adebowale Emmanuel; Ward 6 Chairman, Prince Adeyemi Adewale; and Ajibandele Ward Chairman in Ijebu East, Hon. Adedokun Kazeem, said they had decided to align with what they described as the development train under Governor Abiodun.
Similarly, ADC leaders from the affected local governments praised the administration’s projects across the state.
The ADC Secretary in Ijebu East, Chief Michael Bakare, particularly commended the governor for recognising the people of Imobi through the installation of a traditional ruler.
Also speaking, ADC Chairman in Ijebu North-East, Hon. Erinle Opeoluwa Samuel, said the level of development across Ogun State influenced their decision to join the APC, adding that they believed the move should have been made earlier.
The latest defections further strengthen the APC’s political structure in parts of Ogun East and could set the stage for intensified political realignments as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
