Defection strengthens APM’s grassroots base as Bimbo Adekanmbi’s 2027 governorship ambition gains momentum
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has received a major boost in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State as hundreds of members and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ward 4 defected to the party.
The defectors, comprising party leaders, grassroots mobilisers and active members of the ADC, were led by Hon. Idris Oloya, a prominent ADC aspirant for the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibadan South West Constituency 1.
The defection ceremony, held at the APM Ward 4 meeting, attracted a large crowd of party faithful, supporters and well-wishers from across the local government, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
Among those who joined the APM alongside Hon. Oloya were Onibode Saheed Oloya, Uche Oloya, Kazeem Oloya, Sunday Soyemi, Kehinde Afolabi, Agboluaje Owolabi, Afeez Oloya, Adisa Eau Oloya, Waliyat Oloya, Hammed Adijat, Kehinde Ibrahim, Jolayemi Kehinde and Kareemot Oloya, among others.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Oloya explained that their decision to leave the ADC for the APM was carefully considered and driven by the need to align with a political platform that offers a clear vision for the future of Oyo State.
He said the leadership qualities, sincerity of purpose and people-oriented blueprint of the APM governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, were among the major factors that influenced their decision.
According to him, the APM remains a credible alternative platform capable of delivering good governance, inclusive development and meaningful transformation in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“We have seen the sincerity of purpose in the APM and its candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi. His Omituntun 3.0 agenda gives hope for a better Oyo State. That is why we, members and leaders of ADC in Ward 4, have decided to join forces with him to rescue our state from underdevelopment,” Oloya stated.
He noted that the APM’s agenda for youth empowerment, education reform and economic revitalisation aligns with the aspirations of the people of Ibadan South West.
Oloya further assured the party leadership that the defection of Ward 4 members was only the beginning, revealing that discussions were ongoing with members of the ADC and other political parties across the local government.
“We are still consulting across other wards. In the coming days and weeks, you will see massive defection into APM,” he added.
APM Welcomes New Members
Receiving the defectors, the APM Vice Chairmanship Candidate in Ibadan South West Local Government, Alhaji Hassan Bello, described the development as a welcome addition to the party and a testament to its growing acceptability in the local government and Oyo State at large.
Bello commended Hon. Oloya and his team for taking what he described as a bold political step, noting that their experience, grassroots influence and mobilisation capacity would add significant value to the party.
He assured the new members of equal opportunities, full integration into the party structure and a level playing field to contribute to the growth and development of the APM.
“On behalf of our governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, and the entire leadership of APM in Ibadan South West, I welcome you into our fold. This party belongs to all of us. You will not be treated as newcomers. You will be fully integrated at the ward and local government levels,” Bello said.
He urged the defectors to immediately begin working with existing party members to strengthen the APM’s structure in Ward 4 and across the local government.
Defectors Pledge Loyalty to APM
In their response, the defectors pledged their loyalty to the APM and its leadership, promising to work assiduously towards the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.
They also expressed their determination to mobilise more supporters and strengthen the party’s grassroots presence across Ibadan South West.
The new members expressed confidence that with Bimbo Adekanmbi as its governorship candidate, the APM was poised to secure victory in the 2027 governorship election and usher in a new era of development in Oyo State.
Political observers have described the defection as a significant boost for the APM in Ibadan South West Local Government, one of the most politically strategic and active local governments in Oyo State, owing to its voting strength and electoral influence.
The development is expected to further strengthen the APM’s grassroots mobilisation efforts as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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