The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has received a major boost as prominent opposition figures, including Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, and Hon. Luqmon Atobatele, led thousands of their supporters into the party on Wednesday.
Hon. Akinlade, a former governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, returned to the APC alongside other political heavyweights, marking what many described as a significant realignment in the state’s political structure.
Joining him in the political move were Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, the immediate past PDP chairman in the state; Hon. Luqmon Atobatele, the serving member representing Abeokuta South State Constituency 1; former House of Assembly member Hon. Idowu Olowofuja; former Chairman of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Rotimi Rahaman; Dr. Mojeed Ekelojumati, and many others.
They were formally received into the APC by Governor Dapo Abiodun, who assured them of full integration and respect within the party.
“I want to assure you that we will accord you the rights, privileges, and respect that indeed you deserve,” Abiodun said.
The governor described their return as symbolic of a growing national trend, with the PDP losing ground to the APC across the country. He expressed delight in the calibre of politicians returning to the fold, including Akinlade, whom he described as a formidable contender in the last election.
“Today, our brothers have come back home, and we are rejoicing. This is not just a defection; it’s a reunion. They didn’t join from the top. They joined from the grassroots, having first declared at their respective wards,” the governor noted.
In his remarks, Akinlade stressed that the move was a calculated decision to strengthen the APC and contribute meaningfully to governance.
“We are not decamping. This is a movement. We moved en masse. We left nobody behind because we believe in the leadership of Governor Abiodun and the APC,” he said.
He commended the governor for showing dignity in leadership, stating, “It takes only great men to be gracious in victory.”
On his part, Hon. Ogundele stated that the defection was not just political, but also a commitment to developmental governance.
“We, the responsible members of the PDP and APM, have moved progressively en masse into the APC. This is history,” he said.
Also speaking, Hon. Luqmon Atobatele praised Governor Abiodun’s inclusive and supportive leadership.
“As an opposition member in the House, I’ve experienced firsthand how Governor Abiodun supports all lawmakers without bias. I’ve carried out 88 free surgeries in my constituency and brought 40 doctors from the US, and His Excellency provided hotel accommodation, vehicles, and security—all without asking about party lines,” Atobatele said.
