2027: Over 300 APC, PDP, Accord Members Defect to APM in Orelope, Back Makinde

No fewer than 300 members of various political parties have defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, in a move expected to further strengthen the party’s grassroots structure ahead of future political activities.

The new members were formally received into the APM on Wednesday at Ward 7, Orelope Local Government, in a defection exercise led by a prominent grassroots politician and former councillor, Hon. Balogun Rauf Bobo.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Balogun Rauf, popularly known as Bobo, said their decision to join the APM was driven by their desire to demonstrate loyalty, appreciation and continued support for the leadership and achievements of Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde.

He explained that the defectors were also attracted by the political influence, leadership qualities and grassroots mobilisation capacity of Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, whom they described as a political leader with strong connections to the people.

According to Bobo, the new APM members are prepared to work collectively with the party’s leadership to expand its presence across Orelope and mobilise additional supporters ahead of the 2027 political season.

The former councillor further pledged the unwavering support of the defectors for Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition, while assuring that they would also support the political aspirations of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi and other leaders of the APM.

He said the sizeable number of defectors joining the party was an indication of what he described as the growing acceptance and popularity of the APM among residents and political stakeholders in Orelope Local Government and other parts of Oyo State.

The defection ceremony attracted party leaders, supporters and other political stakeholders, who welcomed the new members and expressed optimism that their arrival would strengthen the party’s grassroots mobilisation and organisational capacity in the local government.

The newly admitted members subsequently pledged their commitment to working closely with the leadership and existing members of the APM to promote the ideals of the party, strengthen its grassroots network and mobilise more supporters across Orelope and the state.