A fresh wave of defections has hit the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ido local government as scores of opposition members officially defected into the Allied People’s Movement (APM).
Supporters and followers of Remi Oseni Campaign Organisation Forum (ROCOF) also formally dumped the APC and aligned with the political structure of Governor Seyi Makinde through one of his key allies, Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan.
The defectors were officially received during a ceremony held on Thursday evening at the Bashorun residence of Olopoeyan in Ibadan, where party leaders, supporters and political associates gathered to welcome the new entrants.
ROCOF, a political support group that played an active role during the campaigns of APC chieftain and lawmaker, Hon. Remi Oseni, announced its decision to leave the party, citing the need to identify with what its members described as inclusive and people-oriented leadership in Oyo State under governor Seyi Makinde.
Addressing the defectors, Olopoeyan described the defection as a major boost to the political movement backing Governor Makinde, saying the governor’s style of governance had continued to attract supporters across party lines.
He commended Makinde for what he described as impactful governance, infrastructural development and policies that have earned him widespread acceptance among the people of the state.
According to him, the governor’s performance remains the major reason many politicians and residents have continued to identify with his political direction ahead of future electoral contests.
Olopoeyan assured the defectors that there would be no discrimination between old and new members of the political family, stressing that everyone would enjoy equal rights, opportunities and access within the fold.
He urged the new members to remain committed to the ideals of unity, loyalty and grassroots mobilisation, noting that collective efforts would further strengthen the political structure across the state.
“Our doors are open all the time to everyone who believes in the progress of Oyo State. There is no difference between those joining today and those who have been with us. Everyone is equal, and everyone has the same rights and opportunities,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, representatives of ROCOF said their decision followed wider consultations among members, expressing confidence that they would contribute meaningfully to the political movement they had joined.