The immediate past Director General of the Oyo State Government Liaison Offices in Abuja and Lagos, Hon. Wale Ajani, has formally announced his defection to the Accord Party.
The move according to Ajani indicates his intention to once again seek the Oyo Central senatorial seat come 2027.
Ajani, who is also a former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, made the move days after resigning his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
He is expected to officially declare for Accord Party on Friday, January 17, at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, alongside popular broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, under the platform of the Òyó N’ Pe Ọ́ Movement.
Ajani described the development as the beginning of a mass mobilisation effort aimed at reclaiming governance for the people and challenging what he called an entrenched culture of self-serving leadership.
The former aide to Governor Seyi Makinde had contested the Oyo Central senatorial seat in the 2023 general election but stepped down from the race following directives from the governor.
Speaking on his renewed ambition, Ajani said his years of engagement with young people had given him a clear understanding of the social and economic pressures facing the state.
“As a former President of the NYCN, I have witnessed firsthand the immense challenges confronting our youths, from soaring unemployment to the rise in crime and drug abuse,” he said.
He noted that youth unemployment in Oyo State remains high, contributing to growing insecurity and social vices.
“Recent data shows that over 120,000 young people in the state are actively seeking jobs, while cases of substance abuse and related crimes have risen by about 25 per cent in the last three years.
Our young people deserve better, opportunities, empowerment and hope for a brighter future,” Ajani added.
Declaring his political direction, he said Accord Party, in partnership with Oriyomi Hamzat and the Òyó N’ Pe Ọ́ Movement, was prepared to offer a new path for the state.
“Accord Party has come to liberate Oyo indigenes and residents. No more government of the oppressor, for the rich and by the rich.
“We are committed to restoring hope, creating jobs and ensuring that governance works for everyone, not just a privileged few,” he said.