Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Accord Party in Oyo State suffered a significant setback on Friday, October 2, 2026, as over 250 members and key chieftains officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
​The defection ceremony took place at the APC State Secretariat located in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, bringing together party executives, aspirants, and political stakeholders from across the state.
​The event featured prominent party leaders and defecting aspirants, along with hundreds of supporters who cited dissatisfaction with current state governance and a lack of political inclusion as primary motivators for their move.
​Among the high-profile defectors were key party leaders and former candidates, including representatives who previously contested under the Accord Party umbrella. Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Kareem Mubarak, a key PDP chieftain and Hon. Wole Olajire stated that the move was born out of a desire for effective governance and confidence in the APC’s national political direction.
​”We sacrificed our ambitions and supported political arrangements in the past, yet there is nothing to show for it,” Mubarak said. “Our decision to join the APC stems from a shared conviction that it remains the only viable platform capable of driving genuine growth, unity, and progress for Oyo State heading into 2027.”
​The defectors were formally received into the progressive fold by the executive leadership of the APC in Oyo State, alongside major stakeholders. Addressing the gathering, the state APC leadership welcomed the new entrants, assuring them of equal rights, opportunities, and integration into party activities.
​Hon. Sharafadeen Alli, a prominent APC chieftain in the state, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the wave of defections reflects growing popular sentiment across the state.
​”The people of Oyo State are seeking a clear, effective alternative,” Alli stated. “The APC is unified, restructured, and fully prepared to deliver governance focused on education, healthcare, economic growth, and a completely revamped security architecture for our communities. You have made the right choice at the right time.”
​Also present to receive the defectors were the deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Adesoji Adedeji, alongside Hon. Aderemi Oseni and other members of the National Assembly caucus and state party executives.
​The ceremony concluded with the official hand-over of APC flags and symbols to the leaders of the defecting groups, marking a major political realignment in Oyo State as political parties position themselves for the upcoming electoral cycle.
