Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, recorded a major political gain on Tuesday as six members of the Oyo State caucus in the House of Representatives officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The defections were announced during plenary at the House of Representatives following the Sallah break. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read a total of 13 letters from lawmakers notifying the House of their decisions to switch political parties.
The six lawmakers from Oyo State who joined the APM are Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle and Adigun Adekunle.
In their separate letters, the lawmakers cited the prolonged internal crisis and leadership disputes within the PDP as the main reasons for their departure, stating that they needed a more stable platform to pursue their political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development further strengthens Makinde’s influence within the APM, coming weeks after the governor himself reportedly moved to the party and declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on its platform.
With the latest defections, six out of the 14 Oyo State representatives in the House have now aligned with Makinde in the APM.
Beyond Oyo State, the House also witnessed several other defections across party lines.
Read Also:
INEC Investigates Alleged Unauthorised Access to Voter Registration Database
In Bauchi State, Auwalu Gwalabe left the PDP for the APM, while Shehu Dalhatu, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency of Katsina State, dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the PDP.
Dalhatu explained that his decision followed consultations with his constituents and concerns over developments within the APC.
Similarly, Delta State lawmaker Etanabene Benedict left the Labour Party for the PDP, citing the internal crisis within the Labour Party.
The PDP also welcomed Alex Egbona, who defected from the APC and assured his constituents of his continued commitment despite the change in political affiliation.
Meanwhile, Edo State lawmaker Esosa Iyawe once again changed parties, leaving the APC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He attributed his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences with the APC leadership in Edo State.
In Nasarawa State, Gbefwi Gaza also announced his defection from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party.
The wave of defections highlights the ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as politicians continue to reposition themselves within emerging alliances and party structures.
