Scores of members of the Labour Party have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defection, which took place at the party’s local government Secretariat, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, indicates a turning point in the political dynamics of the area ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors were led by Okedeji Abiodun, popularly known as ‘Better Life’, LP Vice Chairmanship Candidate in the last LG Election in Oyo State.
The new PDP members, many of whom were notable figures in the Labour Party’s structure within the local government, cited the immense impact the present PDP-led LG administration has had on the grassroots people in terms of welfarism, inclusive governance, and physical development.
Addressing the gathering, the executive chairman of Oluyole LG, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, described the defection as a testament to the PDP’s growing influence and commitment to grassroots development.
The Council boss, who likened Oyo State to a two-party state, said, “We all know that we only have two parties in Oyo State and that is the PDP and others.”
Speaking further, Olatunji stressed the role of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s influence on the political landscape of Oyo State, maintaining that the governor’s unprecedented accomplishments in less than six years in office have cemented Oyo as a “no-go area.”
He assured the defectors of equal treatment and opportunity within the party in Oluyole LG. He re-emphasised the need for other opposition party members still undecided to join the Makinde-led PDP government to build a more prosperous Oyo State.
“We are thrilled to welcome our brothers and sisters who have chosen to join hands with us to build a better Oluyole LG and a stronger Oyo State.
“The PDP remains the party of progress, unity, and inclusivity, and we are ready to work together to achieve great things,” Olatunji stated.
Earlier, the Oluyole LG PDP chairman, Alhaji Mukaila Adegbola, while receiving the defectors into the party, commended them for taking the bold step.
He maintained that there would be no form of discrimination between old and new members in terms of opportunity and access within the party and urged them to settle in, feel comfortably at home, and actively engage in all party activities at all levels.
Okediji Abiodun, who led the defectors into the ruling PDP, described Olatunji as a visionary and pragmatic leader whose leadership has continued to endear him to all residents and political players across party lines.
He assured that he and other defectors would give their all to ensure that the PDP continues to deliver qualitative leadership and good governance as exemplified by the Akeem Olatunji-led local government.
“The PDP has proven to be a party that listens to the people and delivers results. We are here to contribute our efforts to ensure development and progress in our Oluyole LG,” he said.
Present at the event were the LG vice chairman, Hon. Niyi Akorede; lawmaker representing Oluyole state constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Waheed Akintayo; immediate past executive chairman of Oluyole LG, Hon. Olaide Settle; Architect Salam Azeez; members of Oluyole Parliament; Chief of Staff to the Council Chairman, Hon. Azeez Babalola; among other notable leaders.
Among the defectors were some of the leaders of the LP defectors: Oluwole Paul, Oluyole LP Secretary; Hon. Esuola Benjamin, Ward 7 Chairman; Hon. Kazeem Oladunni, Ward 5 Councillorship Candidate; Hon. John Akpan; Ogunbayo Omotayo, Ward 1 LP Chairman; Adeoye Oluwasina, among others.
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