The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has welcomed over 50,000 defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The mass defection, which drew members from all the 33 local government areas of the state, was formalised in Iseyin during the ongoing Federal Constituency Tour of Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola, jointly undertaken by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the APC in Oyo State.

The defectors, led by Senator Hosea Agboola, a former Senate Chief Whip, cited the Renewed Hope Agenda and unity among APC leaders as key factors in their decision.

Prominent APC leaders, including Senator Teslim Folarin, who is the Renewed Hope Ambassador for the state; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; and Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, (Oyo North); Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South); the Oyo APC State Chairman, Olayide Abas; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle; Idris Adeoye; and former deputy governors, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Chief Moses Adeyemo, and Rauf Olaniyan, received the defectors.

The roll call at the programme also included serving House of Representatives members, Remi Oseni, and Olamiju Alao-Akala; former Head of Service in the state, Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan; Prof. Adeolu Akande, Bolaji Repete, Akeem Akogun, Alhaji Saheed Alaran, Alhaji Wasiu Dauda, and Yinka Taiwo Folarin, who cited the move as a testament to the party’s growing strength and acceptance, emphasised that the APC remains committed to inclusive governance and sustainable development, assuring new members of full integration into the party.

He described the mass defection as a strong endorsement of the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The APC in Oyo State has resolved all internal differences and is now united, disciplined, and fully focused on grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Folarin stated.

Minister of Power, Adelabu welcomed Senator Agboola, and the defectors.

He described their decision as timely and courageous, as he reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to peace, unity, and collective progress in the state.

In his remarks, Senator Buhari also congratulated the defectors, stating that the wave of defections into the APC underscored the party’s growing organisational strength and acceptance among the people.

Senator Alli, in his part, said the growing influx of opposition members into the APC reflects renewed public confidence in the Tinubu administration, adding that the party is now better positioned to deliver meaningful development across Oyo State

On his part, the party chairman in the state, Abas assured the defectors of equal rights and opportunities within the party, emphasising that the APC leadership in Oyo State remains committed to fairness, discipline, and internal democracy.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Senator Agboola, former Chairman of the Advisory Council to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, said the decision to join the APC followed extensive consultations.

He added that the Renewed Hope Agenda and the prevailing unity among APC leaders in Oyo State informed their resolve to align with the ruling party. (SUN)