In a significant political realignment, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State has secured a major boost to its ranks following a wave of defections from rival parties in the Ibarapa zone. The development, which occurred on 15 January 2026, is being viewed as a clear indicator of shifting political loyalties within the state.
A Wave of New Support for ADC
Scores of residents, party loyalists, and grassroots mobilisers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party (LP) formally switched their allegiance to the ADC. The defections were formalized at a well-attended town hall meeting held in Ibarapa, drawing keen interest from political observers and stakeholders across Oyo State.
The movement of supporters cut across all three local government areas within the Ibarapa axis. ADC leaders described the event as concrete evidence of growing public confidence in the party's ideology, its leadership, and its strong connection with communities at the grassroots level.
Leaders Hail a New Political Direction
Welcoming the new members, the Oyo State Chairman of the ADC, Hon. Yinka Olona, expressed great satisfaction with the party's accelerating momentum. He assured the defectors of their full integration into the ADC's structure, emphasizing the party's core principles of inclusiveness and internal democracy.
"ADC is the right platform for the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large," Olona stated. "What we are witnessing in Ibarapa today is a clear expression of the people’s desire for a new political direction anchored on accountability, good governance and people-oriented leadership."
The party's State Publicity Secretary, Barrister Bimpe Adelowo, officially received the defectors with the ADC's symbolic handshake, which she said represents unity, loyalty, and shared responsibility. She urged the new members to remain steadfast and support the party's ongoing mobilization drives.
Frustration with Dominant Parties Cited
A governorship aspirant of the party, Chief Niyi Aborisade, characterized the mass defection as a historic moment for Ibarapa's political landscape. He argued that the move reflects a deep-seated frustration among the electorate with recycled leadership and a history of unfulfilled promises from the state's dominant political parties.
"The time of liberation is now, and the day of joy is near," Aborisade declared, adding that the ADC's message of credible leadership and restored public trust in governance is gaining traction nationwide.
The town hall meeting saw strong participation from party supporters and community stakeholders, with Hon. Segun Erinle from Ibadan North-East also in attendance to commend the ADC's grassroots-driven political approach.
Party officials confirmed that the Ibarapa defections are a key part of a broader strategy to consolidate the ADC's presence across Oyo State. This mobilization effort is gaining pace as political activities intensify in the run-up to future elections in the state.
