The 2027 political realignment in Oluyole Federal Constituency of Oyo State has continued to gather momentum, as the House of Representatives candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Engr. Akeem Olatunji, received different batches of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), including loyalists of current federal lawmaker, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe.
The detectors, who are from the Soka area and several adjoining communities within the federal constituency, were formally received by Olatunji at his private residence in the Sanyo area of Ibadan earlier in the week.
The development is coming amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their candidates intensifying grassroots mobilisation across Oluyole.
Those who joined Olatunji’s political camp were from different communities and geopolitical zones within the constituency.
Representatives of Okande Community included Adekunle Saheed and Ishola Ridwan, while Maleeq Raji represented Lafiku Zone 1.
From Idi-Osan Community were Olalekan Lamidi and Olalekan Sikiru, while Mustapha Yekinni and Mukaila Arole represented Aboloke.
Arojeka Community was represented by Toheeb Muritala and Ridwan Olamilekan.
Taofeek Olaiya and Ladii Saheed represented Irewole Zone 2, alongside Abubakar Laolu and Abdullahi Tajudeen, who were also listed as representatives of the same zone.
Olalekan Jamiu and Toheeb Akanni represented Lafiku Zone 2 Community.
The defectors, according to Olatunji, were active members in the APC structure while the others were loyalists of Akande-Sadipe, who currently represents Oluyole Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
According to Olatunji, their defection to the APM will further boost the chances of what was described as seamless electoral victory.
Olatunji assured them of an inclusive political platform where their contributions would be recognised and rewarded.
He urged them to remain committed to the collective political project, stressing the importance of grassroots participation in determining the outcome of the 2027 election.
The APM Reps candidate also used the occasion to emphasise the need for politics to be driven by development, representation and the interests of ordinary residents rather than personal ambitions.
The latest defection adds to a series of political developments around Olatunji’s 2027 bid, as he continues to engage stakeholders, community leaders and political actors across the constituency.
Some APM leaders in Oluyole,who witnessed the defection said, the development has already mounted further pressure on the APC’s structure in Oluyole, particularly as the defection translates into improved capacity for grassroots mobilisation in the affected communities ahead of the 2027 elections.
They described Olatunji as a political force in Oluyole federal constituency that has grown his popularity across party lines with track records of good governance at the LG government administration, political accessibility, and humility.
They expressed optimism and confidence that their entry into the APM will bolster the chances of Olatunji to secure a landslide victory come 2027.
