Scores of members from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Omoluabi Progressive Group, loyal to former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, have dumped their political affiliations to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection ceremony took place over the weekend in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, marking a significant political development in the build-up to the 2026 governorship election.
The new members were formally welcomed into the APC during an event hosted at the Ilupeju Multipurpose Hall, Ejigbo. The reception, organised by the Ejigbo chapter of the APC, witnessed a large turnout of defectors who were received by the party’s apex leader in the area, Senator Mudashiru Husain.
While addressing the crowd, Senator Husain assured the newcomers of equal treatment and inclusion in the party structure. He noted that despite APC currently playing the role of opposition in the state, its appeal has continued to attract new supporters across various groups.
Husain, who is a front-runner for the APC governorship ticket ahead of the 2026 polls, praised the defectors for making a wise political decision. He stated that the APC stands out as the only party genuinely rooted in social welfare, economic reform, and capacity building — values, he said, are being demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He remarked, “The unprecedented number of people cross-carpeting from PDP and particularly, Omoluabi Progressive Tendency, is a product of purposeful and collective leadership for which I have been pushed forward to spearhead by other Ejigbo progressive leaders as the Apex Leader. Our teamwork has paid off and it’s just starting.”
He explained that the strategy of the opposition party is to keep expanding its grassroots influence in order to outperform other parties, particularly in preparation for the 2026 governorship contest and to support the success of President Tinubu’s national agenda.
Senator Husain urged the new members to remain devoted to progressive principles, adding that the party remains committed to inclusivity and fairness.
Sharing his thoughts on his gubernatorial aspiration, he said, “On my governorship ambition, we should first know that it’s not a do-or-die affair and that our party is one with rules of engagement as well as strong leadership. We’ve been doing what’s expected of us as required by the tradition and ideals of our party – consultation, visitation, and many close meetings. While I can tell you that I’m highly qualified for the top job in terms of leadership experience, loyalty to the progressive tendency, and necessary grassroots support base.”
He added, “Therefore, I’m optimistic I will be the one to bear the flag of our party and confident to lead APC to victory come 2026 so as to re-write the many wrongs of Governor Ademola Adeleke in government. With this, I can then be able to replicate the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President in Osun.”
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Ejigbo Local Government, Hon. Ayegbayo Gbolahan; Chairman of Ejigbo West LCDA, Hon. Olayanju Kolapo; and APC Ejigbo LG Chairman, Hon. Lateef Adegoke, all commended the defectors for their bold move. They pledged to continue working diligently for the progress of the party ahead of the next election cycle.
Speaking on behalf of those from the Omoluabi Progressive camp, Hon. Wole Olajire said the decision to return to the APC was driven by a need to embrace stability and direction. He expressed strong commitment to mobilising for the party’s victory in the next election.
On his part, Hon. Kareem Mubarak, who led the PDP defectors, decried the lack of internal democracy and failure in governance under the current PDP administration. He stated that the APC is a party that upholds development-oriented leadership and policies that serve the common good.
(Guardian)