Fresh crisis may be looming in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State as it has been gathered that some of its prominent stalwarts are on the verge of exiting the party.
Their eventual departure from the ruling party, may however, deal a major blow to the PDP grassroots structure and electoral strength ahead of future contests as 2027 fast approaches.
Reliable sources close to the politicians involved disclosed that former Senator representing Oyo North, Senator Hosea Ayoola Agboola popularly known as Halleluyah; former House of Representatives member, Hon. Kamil Akinlabi; and a former Executive Chairman of Atiba Local Government, Hon. Arowosaye Saheed (AROSAD), are in consultations with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and may announce their formal departure any time soon.
The looming defection is said to be fueled by mounting dissatisfaction over the party’s internal handling of power distribution and continued alleged marginalization of loyal stakeholders.
Source close to the aggrieved politicians claim they have endured “systematic exclusion and political marginalization” under the current party structure in the state.
“Some of these leaders have been sidelined, used and dumped. There is no political reward system for loyalty anymore in Oyo PDP,” a party insider who pleaded anonymity said.
“How do you expect men who sacrificed everything for the party to continue to remain silent when they and their followers are consistently ignored?”
The discontent appears to cut across some of the geopolitical zones in the state. Senator Agboola from Oke-Ogun, has reportedly withdrawn from key PDP activities in recent months.
Also, Hon. Akinlabi and Arosad, both grassroots influencers in Oyo federal constituency, are said to be coordinating meetings with their supporters to determine the next line of action, which may involve a joint movement into another party or the formation of a political bloc to challenge the existing structure.
A source close to the discussions said: “These leaders are not just leaving alone, they are leaving with their structures. That’s thousands of committed party loyalists across Oyo State. The PDP leadership should be worried.”
The potential exit could shake the PDP in Oyo State, especially in light of ongoing national realignments and growing opposition strength in the South-West.
As of press time, no official statement has been released by the individuals involved, but close political allies have confirmed that announcements could be made after consultations are concluded.