The former governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Olusegun Oni, has defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His defection followed his official registration as a member of the party at his home in Ifaki-Ekiti. Adesola Adedayo, who coordinates the APC’s electronic registration in Ekiti State, confirmed this on Monday, January 12, in Ado-Ekiti. Adedayo, who is also the Commissioner for Youth Development, called Oni’s move a major boost for the ruling party.
He said Oni registered on Sunday, which adds momentum to the party’s ongoing electronic registration and strengthens its base in the state, adding that the former governor is still a popular grassroots politician, and his joining the APC will add value and reinforce the party’s electoral strength.
According to the Commissioner, Oni’s defection marks a major political shift ahead of the 2026 Ekiti governorship and 2027 general elections.
He encouraged party leaders to step up mobilisation across the state, pointing out that Oni registered soon after Governor Biodun Oyebanji renewed his APC membership. Adedayo added that this development would further energize the party at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, Oni was Ekiti State governor from 2007 to 2010 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ran as the SDP candidate in the 2022 election.