Mass defection boosts APC in Ekiti ahead of 2026 gubernatorial elections

Idowu Adebomi, Ado EkitiThe All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti state has gained significant momentum ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elections with the defection of over 3,000 supporters led by Otunba Stephen Abiodun Ojo, a former gubernatorial candidate for the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and a former prominent figure in the All Peoples Party.The mass defection took place at Ilupeju Ekiti, within Oye Local Government Area, where political heavyweights and loyalists of the ANPP joined Ojo in switching allegiance to the ruling APC.Addressing the gathering, High Chief Jide Awe, the former chairman of the APC and an elder statesman, reassured the defectors of equal opportunities within the party, applauding their decision to join APC.

He pointed to Governor Abayomi Oyebanji’s leadership as a key factor in attracting influential personalities from across political divides to the party.“Otunba Stephen Abiodun Ojo is a well-respected name, and the warm reception today is a clear indication of his strong standing in his community,” High Chief Awe remarked. “Such a distinguished individual is a great addition to our party.



”The APC’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Segun Dipe, officially welcomed Otunba Ojo and his followers into the party, conveying greetings from the national party chairman, Alhaji Ganduje, the state party chairman, Hon. Sola Elesin, and other APC stakeholders.Comrade Dipe stated that the defection signals the growing strength of the APC in Ekiti, suggesting that the party now faces no opposition, as the structures of rival parties have collapsed.

He emphasised that the APC is a party for all, with a level playing field for both new and longstanding members. He also urged others to join the party, describing other political groups as being in “intensive care” and unlikely to recover soon.“On behalf of our national chairman, I extend a warm welcome to you and your followers,” Dipe said.

“I assure you that joining the APC is the right decision, and the welfare of our members remains a top priority. Our party is committed to the continuous development and repositioning of the state.”Following the speeches, Comrade Dipe and other party leaders symbolically accepted Otunba Ojo into the APC by presenting him with the party’s broom — a symbol of unity and progress.

Otunba Stephen Abiodun Ojo, in his address to the press, expressed his gratitude to Governor Abayomi Oyebanji for his transformative projects across the state, which he believes have left an indelible mark on Ekiti’s history. Ojo explained that his admiration for the Governor’s development-oriented agenda motivated his decision to join the APC.“Joining this party feels like coming home,” Ojo stated.

“I’m proud to be part of this progressive movement and to contribute to the development of Ekiti. I’m fully committed to supporting the second-term agenda of His Excellency, Governor Oyebanji.”Ojo also confidently predicted that the APC is on track for a decisive victory in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

“I am bringing over 3,000 followers with me, and I am confident the party will win the next election in a landslide.”Among the notable figures present at the event were Honourable ID Aluta, who represents Oye constituency in the state House of Assembly, Mrs Kemi Olaleye, and former SDP deputy gubernatorial candidate, Honourable Ladi Owolabi.The post Mass defection boosts APC in Ekiti ahead of 2026 gubernatorial elections appeared first on Nigerian NewsDirect.

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