Segun Ogunwuyi, the immediate past Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress, alongside 32 other prominent members of the Allied Peoples Movement.
The political realignment was announced on Tuesday during a gathering in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where the defectors were received by leading APC stakeholders.
The development is expected to generate political implications for the Ogbomoso Zone as parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Ogunwuyi, who previously occupied the Chief of Staff position in Makinde’s administration, spearheaded the defection, bringing several influential political figures and former government functionaries into the APC.
The development follows an earlier report by Politics Nigeria that Ogunwuyi had resigned from his appointment as the governor’s Chief of Staff.
His subsequent decision to leave the APM with dozens of other political figures is considered significant, particularly because of his previous involvement in the Makinde administration and his political standing in Ogbomoso.
Among the notable personalities who crossed over to the APC was Rasak Gbadegesin, popularly referred to as Agbeti, who previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the late former Oyo State Governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Other prominent individuals involved in the political movement included Timothy Oyeniyi, Alabi Olateju, Banji Folaranmi, Isaiah Adegbite and Peter Oyetunji.
The list of defectors also featured Jimoh Sikiru, who served as the APM chairman in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, as well as several serving and former political appointees from across the Ogbomoso axis.
Those who joined the APC included former and serving council secretaries, chiefs of staff, supervisory councillors and special assistants who had worked with the chairmen of Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa local government areas.
The involvement of political representatives from all four local government areas indicates that the defection extended beyond a particular constituency, bringing together influential figures from different parts of the Ogbomoso Zone.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the new APC members, Ogunwuyi explained that their decision was motivated by their determination to contribute meaningfully to the party’s expansion and strengthen its chances at the polls.
He expressed optimism that the APC would record a decisive electoral victory across the Ogbomoso axis in the next general elections.
“We came to the APC to add value to the party, and the APC will win convincingly in Ogbomoso Zone.”
The former Chief of Staff further indicated that the defectors were committed to actively participating in the party’s programmes and consolidating its political structures ahead of the 2027 electoral contest.
Receiving the new members, Oyo State APC Chairman, Moses Adeyemo, assured them that their previous political affiliations would not affect their standing or opportunities within the party.
Adeyemo maintained that the APC remained open to individuals prepared to contribute to its development, regardless of the political platforms they previously belonged to.
He consequently encouraged the new entrants to integrate themselves into the party’s activities and mobilise support for its candidates ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
“Let me use this gathering to urge you all to work hard for the success of the APC candidates in the 2027 general elections,” he added.
Speaking at the reception, the APC governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Alli, described the mass defection as a significant political blow to the camp of Governor Seyi Makinde.
According to Alli, the decision by Ogunwuyi and other influential politicians to abandon the APM was indicative of internal challenges and growing divisions within the party.
He singled out Ogunwuyi and Gbadegesin, arguing that their departure represented a development that other politicians still associated with the APM should take seriously.
“For the likes of Segun Ogunwuyi, Rasak Gbadegesin (Agbeti) and other politicians of substance to abandon Governor Makinde, it means a lot, and I use this medium to tell the few who are still there to leave now and join us in the APC.”
Alli also used the occasion to appeal to other influential political actors in Oyo State to align with the APC as political activities surrounding the 2027 elections intensify.
Meanwhile, Banji Folaranmi, one of the defectors, attributed his decision to leave the APM to what he described as a lack of democratic participation in the party’s internal affairs.
Folaranmi alleged that decision-making within the APM was concentrated in the hands of a single individual, leaving little room for other members to exercise meaningful influence.
“I left APM because it is a one-man party. Only Governor Makinde is running the party.”
His remarks offered further insight into the possible internal disagreements and dissatisfaction that contributed to the decision by some members to seek alternative political platforms.
The latest development comes as political parties across Oyo State intensify efforts to consolidate their positions and attract influential political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC, in particular, appears determined to broaden its reach and strengthen its structures across the state’s political zones.
The reception organised for the defectors attracted several prominent members of the APC, including key political officeholders, former government officials and other stakeholders.
Among those in attendance were Adesoji Adedeji, the party’s deputy governorship candidate; Hannah Ogunesan, its candidate for Oyo North Senatorial District; Segun Odebunmi; and Olamijuwon Alao-Akala.
Former senators Ayoade Adeseun and Brimoh Yusuf were also present, alongside Kemi Alao-Akala, wife of the late former governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Other notable attendees included former Oyo State APC Chairman, Akin Oke; Olagunju Ojo; Bashiru Akataapa; Aderemi Adepoju; and Abiodun Adeyemo, popularly known as Obadoba.
Members of the Oyo State APC State Executive Committee were equally present to witness the formal reception of the new party members.
Also participating in the event were Yemi Aderibigbe, Director-General of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Council, and his deputy, Sola Ogunbode, who joined other party leaders in welcoming the defectors into the APC.
