The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has suffered a significant setback as former Commissioner for Works, Mrs Funmilayo Ogun, officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, announced at a ceremony in Orin-Ekiti, was driven by Ogun's dissatisfaction with the PDP's direction and her endorsement of Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration and President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid for the 2027 general elections.
Defection Ceremony and Reception
The defection took place at Ogun's country home in Orin-Ekiti, where the APC chairman in Ido/Osi Local Government Area, Hon. Adewumi Aina, received her and other new entrants into the party on behalf of the State Working Committee. APC leaders in the local government area pledged equal rights and privileges for all new members, urging existing party faithful to welcome the defectors without discrimination.
Ogun, who served under former Governor Ayodele Fayose, explained that she initially joined the PDP at the start of her political career to serve the people of Ekiti. Over time, she said, she grew disillusioned with the party's direction, stating that the PDP had lost its way and could no longer provide the platform she needed to contribute meaningfully to the state.
Reasons for Leaving the PDP
Addressing the gathering, Ogun said she was joining the APC with supporters drawn from across the state. The group plans to begin grassroots campaigns across wards in Ido/Osi Local Government to consolidate the party's base. She clarified that her decision was not motivated by any ambition to contest positions held by existing party leaders but to work alongside them and strengthen the APC from within.
Ogun highlighted her combined experience in the private sector and public service as preparation for contributing to both the APC's growth and Ekiti State's broader development. She also commended former governors Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, and Ayodele Fayose for their leadership and support for Governor Oyebanji's administration.
APC Leaders Welcome New Members
Receiving the defectors, Aina described Ogun as a valuable addition to the APC, urging existing members to ensure all new members enjoy equal rights and privileges within the party. Former Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, praised Ogun's record in office and expressed confidence that her political experience and wide network of contacts across communities in Ido/Osi would help deepen the APC's support in the local government.
Yomi Ayorinde, the lawmaker representing Ido/Osi Constituency II in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, also called on Ogun to put her experience to work in building the party's presence across the local government area.
Context: PDP's Challenges and 2027 Election Landscape
This defection comes amid broader challenges for the PDP. Legit.ng earlier reported that a video showing a branded PDP bus campaigning for President Bola Tinubu in Bayelsa began circulating online. The footage drew sharp reactions from Nigerians who criticised the opposition's failure to present a united front against Tinubu. Tinubu faces two declared challengers ahead of the 2027 elections, with Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi running on different party platforms.
