Several prominent members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group includes Mogaji Saheed Oyewale, the SDP candidate for Oluyole State Constituency in the 2023 general elections, and Mr David Arowolo, the party’s chairmanship candidate in the 2024 local government election. They were joined by other senior party figures.
Also defecting were the SDP Chairman in Oluyole Local Government Area, Mr Ganiyu Lawal; Secretary, Adetunji Adewale; Women Leader, Mrs Taiwo Lasisi; Youth Leader, Muritala Jeje; and Public Relations Officer, Afeez Agbongbon. The entire local government and ward executive committee members from all 10 electoral wards in the area also switched allegiance.
The former SDP members formally announced their defection on Tuesday during a visit to the APC state secretariat in Ibadan. They were received by the APC Chairman in Oyo State, Chief Moses Adeyemo.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Oyewale said the decision was driven by a desire to contribute to President Bola Tinubu’s vision for national development.
“We decided to join the APC because we appreciate the good work of President Tinubu and, as patriots, we cannot afford to stay away when we can be part of the success story,” he stated.
Oyewale further revealed that more influential SDP members are expected to join the APC in the coming weeks. He expressed confidence that the new members would work towards a strong showing for the party in the 2027 general elections.