The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, have declared that the massive turnout of residents at the party’s recent activities in Ibarapa East indicates growing support for the APM ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The duo made the declaration following a series of political engagements in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, where more than 2,000 people defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the APM.
The activities included an financial empowerment programme for market women and artisans, a mass defection ceremony involving residents from the 10 wards of Ibarapa East, and a courtesy visit to the Eleruwa of Eruwa and his council of chiefs.
Ogundoyin, who expressed satisfaction with the reception accorded the party, described the development as evidence of growing grassroots acceptance of the APM and a reflection of the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration under the Omituntun 1.0 and 2.0 programmes.
He said the turnout, particularly the decision of more than 2,000 people to leave the APC for the APM, demonstrated that the party had continued to strengthen its structures across rural and urban communities in the state.
According to him, initial doubts about the electoral prospects of the relatively new party are gradually giving way to confidence as its political structure expands across the state.
He attributed the growing acceptance of the APM to the unity within the party and the performance of the Makinde administration across different sectors.
Ogundoyin added that the development in Ibarapa East offered an indication of what the party could expect in the forthcoming elections.
He said, “It means everything to us because it is a testament to the performance of the current administration, both Omituntun 1.0 and 2.0. The way the people have come out and expressed themselves in large numbers is particularly encouraging, especially considering that we received over 2,000 defectors into our great party today.”
The Speaker said the APM had made significant inroads into communities across the state, adding that its growing presence was no longer limited to urban centres.
Also speaking, Adekanmbi expressed appreciation to the people of Ibarapa East, particularly residents of Eruwa and Lanlate, for what he described as an overwhelming reception.
He explained that the empowerment programme for market women and artisans was followed by a large-scale defection exercise involving people from all 10 wards of the local government.
The former Finance Commissioner in the state said the new members had been immediately integrated into the party, assuring them of equal rights and privileges alongside existing members.
He called on more residents of Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa North and other parts of Oyo State to identify with the APM, stressing that the party was open to all who shared its vision.
Adekanmbi also identified dissatisfaction with what he described as the inadequate senatorial representation of Oyo South as one of the major issues raised by the defectors.
According to him, the concerns expressed by the people over the absence of effective representation at the Senate contributed significantly to their decision to abandon the APC.
He said the APM was positioning itself as a platform for responsive leadership and sustained development, urging residents across the state to join the party.
“We welcome everyone with open arms. Once you come into the APM, you immediately become a full member with all rights and privileges like any other member,” he said.
The governorship candidate further declared that the reception in Ibarapa was a strong political signal ahead of 2027, insisting that the party was determined to build a formidable grassroots structure across the state.
As part of the day’s engagements, Adekanmbi and Ogundoyin also paid homage to the Eleruwa of Eruwa and his council of chiefs, where discussions focused on the development needs of the ancient town and neighbouring communities.
The issues raised during the meeting included the Abode Road, Ido-Eruwa Road, the dam project and the development of farm settlements.
Ogundoyin said the traditional ruler and his chiefs emphasised the need for more developmental projects in Eruwa and its environs.
He added that the delegation had taken note of the concerns and assured the traditional institution of its commitment to sustained development across Eruwa and the entire Ibarapa region.
The visit, he said, provided an opportunity to engage directly with traditional authorities and understand the development priorities of the people.
The APM leaders maintained that the growing political activities and influx of new members in Ibarapa reflected the party’s expanding appeal as preparations gradually gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.