Dozens of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) in Oyo State have pledged their loyalty to Governor Seyi Makinde, declaring that his leadership blueprint for Oyo can be replicated across Nigeria if given a national platform in 2027.
The defectors, who officially dumped their former parties for the ruling PDP in Oluyole local government today, cited Makinde’s record in infrastructural renewal, economic expansion without additional tax burden on the common masses, youth empowerment, and his inclusive governance style as reasons for their defection.
They described the governor as a “transformational leader” whose approach has redefined governance in the state.
In their separate remarks on behalf of the defectors, leaders of the defectors from both opposition parties, Halimot Abdulahi and Mrs Yemisi Dada,
said, “Governor Makinde has shown with results that good governance is possible in Nigeria.
“His achievements in Oyo State; from roads to education, security, and healthcare, are practical evidence that if entrusted with national leadership, he can replicate this success story across the country in 2027.”
Welcoming the defectors, the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji, assured them of equal treatment within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He stressed that the party does not discriminate against any member maintaining that there is no such thing as old or new members in the PDP.
He also assured the defectors that everyone of them would enjoy the same opportunities as existing members.
“In PDP, we are one political family. There’s no first-class or second-class member.
“Governor Makinde has taught us inclusivity, and that’s what we practice at every level. You will be treated equally, and your voices will be heard,” Olatunji said.
He further charged the new members to contribute actively to the consolidation of PDP’s hold in Oluyole LG and Oyo State as a whole, while also preparing to work for the party’s victory at the national level come 2027.
While formally receiving the defectors into the party, the PDP chairman in Oluyole, Alhaji Mukaila Adegbola said the wave of defections in the council is a signal of growing momentum around Olatunji’s sterling performance at the grassroots as well as Makinde’s rising profile in the South-West and beyond.
He noted that the pragmatic governance by both Olatunji and governor Makinde particularly his youth-centered policies has positioned the governor as a strong contender in the unfolding national political equation ahead of 2027.