2027 Election: Bimbo Adekanmbi Welcomes ADC Defectors as Egbeda APM Leaders Receive Ogunlana, Kareem

The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State has welcomed the defection of former African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Assembly candidate for Egbeda State Constituency, Hon. Abiodun Ogunlana (ABOG), ADC local government leader, Oloye Tajudeen Kareem, and their teeming supporters into the party.

The defectors were formally received during a political gathering attended by APM leaders and stakeholders in Egbeda, as well as representatives of the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi.

The delegation representing Adekanmbi was led by Hon. Mathew Oyeniyi and included Hon. Abiodun Agboluaje, Hon. Isa Mohammed Bright, Hon. Kazeem Oshoniyi, Hon. Kabir Popoola, Hon. Kehinde Ogunyika, Hon. Adebayo Labade, Hon. Bukola, Hon. Alade Ismail Omogbolahan and Dr. Mariam Agboola.

Among the prominent APM stakeholders at the gathering was Pastor Akinade Alamu, former Egbeda Local Government Chairman and immediate past Chairman of the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), who was recently appointed to the Oyo State Elders Council.

Also present were the Vice Chairman of Egbeda Local Government and APM candidate for the December 29 local government election, Hon. Ibrahim Oladebo (Simple), and his running mate, Hon. Job.

Other attendees included Mogaji Ademola Oladosu, Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Pacesetter Transport Service; Hon. Suberu, Supervisory Councillor; Egbeda Local Government APM Chairman, Hon. Alawe; former PDP Chairman in Egbeda, Hon. Luku Akinpelu; Chairman of the Oyo State Rural Electrification Board, Hon. Olusegun Ojekunle; Local Government Media Officer, Hon. Demola Aree; Hon. Ola Yusuf; Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Oyedijo, Party Leader; Hon. Fashina Babatunde, ADC Local Government Youth Leader; Mr. Jelili Lamidi, Chairman of Chairmen of ADC in Egbeda; Mr. Ayanwale Ismail, ADC Ward 10 Chairman; Mrs. Busari Saki, Ward 7 Secretary; Mrs. Kareem Bola, PWD representative, among others.

Symbolic Defection

A major highlight of the gathering was the formal declaration of Ogunlana and his associates for the APM.

In a symbolic demonstration of his decision to leave the ADC, Ogunlana tore his ADC membership card and burnt his ADC shirt before declaring his commitment to the APM.

Speaking at the event, Ogunlana said his decision was influenced by what he described as the developmental strides and administrative achievements recorded under the administration of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

He also acknowledged the leadership qualities of Adekanmbi, the APM gubernatorial candidate, while expressing appreciation to the party leadership and representatives for attending the gathering despite the short notice.

Ogunlana further spoke about the political journey of the defectors and the circumstances that led to their decision to join the APM.

APM Leaders Welcome New Members

Responding to the development, APM leaders welcomed Ogunlana, Kareem and their supporters into the party, assuring them that their concerns would receive appropriate attention.

The leaders also promised that necessary adjustments would be made where required to promote cooperation among existing members and the new entrants.

Pastor Akinade Alamu, while welcoming the defectors, acknowledged the significance of their movement into the APM and urged all members and stakeholders to work together in the interest of the party.

Other speakers at the gathering similarly called for unity, cooperation and the integration of the new members into the party’s existing structures and activities in Egbeda.

Speaking on behalf of the APM gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, Hon. Matthew Alani formally welcomed Ogunlana, Oloye Tajudeen Kareem and their supporters into the APM fold.

Alani assured the gathering that the party remained committed to its political programme, adding that its proposed administration under Adekanmbi would focus on continuity of governance and development in Oyo State.

The gathering ended with renewed calls for cooperation among the various political stakeholders and the full integration of the new members into the structures and activities of the APM in Egbeda Local Government.