By: Femi Emmanuel
A major political realignment has taken place in Ogbomoso following the defection of former Oyo State Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, Alhaji Rasak Gbadegesin (Agbeti) and several other political figures from the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors were formally received into the APC at a rally held at Oja’Gbo, in front of Soun Ogunlola Hall, Ogbomoso, where thousands of party members and supporters gathered to witness the political event.
The rally attracted a massive turnout, resulting in the disruption of vehicular movement for more than three hours as enthusiastic supporters thronged the venue to welcome the new entrants.
Notably absent from the gathering were some prominent APC figures, including former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin; former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; and serving Oyo North Senator, Abdulfatai Buhari, among other notable party stakeholders.
Other prominent defectors included Hon. Timothy Oyeniyi, Hon. Alabi Olateju, Hon. Banji Folaranmi, Hon. Isaiah Adegbite, Hon. Peter Oyetunji and the APM Chairman in Ogbomoso North Local Government, Hon. Jimoh Sikiru.
The defection also involved several political officeholders and appointees, including council secretaries, chiefs of staff, supervisory councillors and special assistants serving under the council chairmen in Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Areas.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ogunwuyi said their decision to join the APC was driven by their desire to contribute to the party’s growth and strengthen its political structures. He expressed optimism that the party would secure a convincing victory across Ogbomoso Zone in the 2027 general elections.
Receiving the new members, the APC State Chairman, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, assured them of equal treatment and opportunities within the party. He urged them to demonstrate commitment and work collectively towards the success of APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.
In his remarks, one of the defectors, Dr. Banji Folaranmi, explained that his departure from the APM was informed by his perception that the party operated as a one-man political structure under the control of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Similarly, the APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, described the development as a significant setback for the APM, arguing that the departure of influential political figures such as Ogunwuyi and Agbeti had weakened the party’s political standing in Ogbomoso.
“For the likes of Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, Alhaji Rasak Agbeti and other politicians of substance to abandon Governor Makinde, it means a lot. I use this medium to tell the few ones who are still there to leave now and join us in the APC,” Alli said.
Among the prominent APC leaders who attended the rally were Senators Ayoade Adeseun and Brimoh Yusuf; Chief Kemi Alao-Akala; former Speaker, Olagunju Ojo; Chief Akin Oke; Alhaji Bashiru Akataapa; Hon. Aderemi Adepoju and Hon. Abiodun Adeyemo (Obadoba), alongside members of the party’s Oyo State Executive Committee.
Also in attendance were the Director-General of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Council, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, and his deputy, Hon. Sola Ogunbode.
Other political figures and candidates present included the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hon. Adesoji Adedeji; Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan; Hon. Segun Odebunmi; and Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala.
The development is expected to generate fresh political calculations across Ogbomoso Zone ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly as the APC intensifies efforts to expand its grassroots influence and consolidate its position in the zone.
Whether the mass defection will translate into electoral gains for the APC or significantly alter the existing political balance remains to be seen as the 2027 elections approach.
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