The Oyo lawmakers defection trend gained momentum on Tuesday as six members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). The lawmakers announced their departure during plenary at the House of Representatives, citing the prolonged internal crisis and leadership disputes within the PDP. Their move comes weeks after Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde aligned with the APM ahead of the 2027 elections. The latest Oyo lawmakers defection highlights the continuing political realignment within the state and the wider opposition landscape.
Political developments in Oyo State have intensified since Governor Makinde and several of his allies began distancing themselves from the PDP amid ongoing factional disputes within the party. The crisis within the PDP has led to disagreements over leadership, party structure, and preparations for the 2027 elections. Several political figures in Oyo have argued that the unresolved disputes could create legal and political challenges for aspirants seeking elective offices.
In recent weeks, a number of prominent politicians associated with Makinde’s political camp resigned from the PDP and joined the APM. Among them were former and serving lawmakers as well as senatorial aspirants. The latest Oyo lawmakers defection represents another significant development in the ongoing political restructuring ahead of the next general election.
At the resumption of plenary after the Sallah break, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read letters from lawmakers announcing changes in party affiliation. A total of 13 lawmakers across different political parties changed parties during the session. The six Oyo lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APM are: Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle, Adigun Adekunle
According to their letters, the lawmakers based their decision on the protracted internal crisis and leadership tussle within the PDP. They stated that the situation had compelled them to seek an alternative political platform for their future political ambitions. The development means that six of the 14 members of the Oyo caucus in the House of Representatives have now followed Governor Makinde into the APM.
One of the defectors, Adedeji Olajide, had earlier resigned from the PDP and formally registered with the APM, citing unresolved leadership challenges within the opposition party. He said his move followed consultations with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders across Oyo State. The defections occurred amid broader political realignments involving key figures within the PDP and APM as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
The Oyo lawmakers defection could reshape political calculations in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections. With several elected officials moving to the APM, the party’s influence within the state may increase significantly.
The development also reflects broader challenges facing opposition parties as internal disputes continue to trigger defections and political realignments across the country. Political observers note that party cohesion and leadership stability will likely remain key issues as the election cycle approaches. For the House of Representatives, the defections contribute to the ongoing shift in party composition within the National Assembly.
