Scores of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State on Thursday defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in a fresh political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defectors were received by the Oyo South senatorial candidate of the APM and member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo.

The defection took place at UMC Primary School, Molete, Ibadan, where the new members from different political wards, including artisans and members of various groups, formally joined the APM.

The development adds to the series of political movements and realignments taking place across Oyo State as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the reception, Hon. Olajide welcomed the defectors and assured them that the APM would provide an inclusive platform for members to participate in the political process and contribute to the development of their communities.

He urged the new members to view their decision to join the party as an opportunity to contribute to the growth of Oyo State, while encouraging them to remain committed to the party’s principles and support the development of its structures at the ward and local government levels.

The lawmaker reiterated the importance of inclusiveness within the party, assuring the defectors that members would have opportunities to participate in decision-making and pursue their political aspirations, irrespective of their backgrounds.

Odidiomo also called on the new entrants to take ownership of the party at the grassroots, noting that effective mobilisation, unity and commitment among members would be important to the party’s activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

He further urged existing APM members to welcome the new entrants and work collectively with them, stressing the need for cooperation among party members to strengthen engagement with residents at the grassroots.

In their separate remarks, the defectors expressed satisfaction with their decision to join the APM and pledged to mobilise their supporters and political networks to support the party’s activities in Ibadan South-West and other parts of Oyo State.

They described their decision as a strategic political move and promised to work with the party’s leadership to expand its grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

© Naija24hrs News