Ogun Assembly Transforms into One-Party Legislature as Six PDP Lawmakers Defect to APC
In a significant political realignment, the Ogun State House of Assembly has effectively become a one-party legislature following the defection of six members from the People's Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. This move, which occurred ahead of the 2027 elections, deals a major blow to the main opposition party in the state, reducing its representation and consolidating APC dominance in the 26-member assembly.
Lawmakers Cite Internal PDP Crisis as Reason for Defection
The defecting lawmakers, who submitted their formal letters during a plenary session at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, attributed their decision to ongoing internal crises within the PDP. The letters, read by Speaker Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, stated that the defection was driven by the need to align with a transformative and progressive platform to better serve their constituents.
The newly defected members include:
- Hon. Adeleye Lukman (Odogbolu State Constituency)
- Dickson Awolaja (Remo-North)
- Lawal Samsudeen (Ogun Waterside)
- Waliu Owode (Ijebu-East)
- Oluseun Adesanya (Ijebu-North East)
- Damilare Bello (Sagamu I)
In their joint letter, the lawmakers emphasized that the internal crisis within the PDP had increasingly hindered effective political engagement. They expressed commitment to their legislative duties and the overall development of their constituents, while appreciating the support of the House leadership and members.
Additional Legislative Business: SIEC Nominees and Bill Readings
In other developments during the plenary, Speaker Elemide announced that nominees for the State Independent Electoral Commission, forwarded by Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, would be invited for screening at a later date. The nominees are required to submit 30 copies each of their curriculum vitae and credentials to the Clerk's office prior to the screening.
The SIEC nominees include:
- Mr. Babatunde Adetona Osibodu
- Mr. Tunji Akoni
- Mr. Ayodele Bankole
- Mrs. Gbemisola Onasanya
- Mrs. Oluwaremilekun Olaopa
Additionally, four bills scaled their first reading during the session. Clerk/Head of Legislative Service Mr. Sakiru Adebakin presented the bills, which include:
- H.B. No. 032/OG/2026: Survey and Geoinformatics Bill of Ogun State, 2026
- H.B. No. 033/OG/2026: Ogun State Judicial Institute Bill, 2026
- H.B. No. 034/OG/2026: Ogun State Education and Skills Trust Fund Bill, 2026
- H.B. No. 035/OG/2026: Ogun State Rural Access Roads Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2026
These bills aim to establish frameworks for survey and geoinformatics law, create a judicial institute for professional training, set up an education and skills trust fund, and amend existing rural access road agency legislation.
