*Adekanmbi holds Juma’at prayer, receives APC defectors in Ido, Ibarapa East*

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, on Friday held a special Juma’at prayer at his campaign office following the successful conclusion of his statewide thank-you tour, where he also received scores of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ido and Ibarapa East Local Government Areas.

The prayer session, attended by party leaders, supporters and campaign officials, was organised to appreciate God for the peaceful and successful completion of the statewide appreciation tour and to seek divine guidance ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

At the event, Adekanmbi formally welcomed the new members into the APM, assuring them that the party remains committed to building an inclusive political movement that accommodates everyone irrespective of their previous political affiliations.

The APC defectors from Ido Local Government were led by Hon. Olumide Akinola, popularly known as Olumba, who joined the APM alongside members of the Olumba Socio-Political Forum (OSPF), a grassroots political group with structures across the 12 wards in Ido Local Government.

Also among the new entrants were members of the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF), who said they had decided to sever ties with the APC lawmaker over what they described as unfulfilled promises and a lack of political inclusion.

Addressing the defectors, Adekanmbi expressed appreciation for their confidence in the APM and pledged that his administration, if elected, would be people-oriented and inclusive.

He assured the new members of equal opportunities within the party, stressing that no one would be discriminated against on account of their former political affiliations.

“Our vision is to build a government that carries everyone along. We are committed to fairness, justice and inclusive governance where every stakeholder has a sense of belonging,” Adekanmbi said.

He urged the defectors to work together with existing party members to strengthen the APM across their respective local government areas and mobilise support ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.