APM gains momentum as Oyo APC members defect to Adekanmbi ahead of 2027 gov'ship race

By Benedicta Aboh

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, has received a fresh boost to his 2027 governorship ambition following the defection of scores of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the party.

The defectors, drawn mainly from Ido Local Government Area, were officially welcomed into the APM during a special Juma'at prayer held at Adekanmbi's campaign office on Friday after the completion of his statewide thank-you tour.

Among those who joined the APM were APC supporters led by Olumide Akinola, popularly known as Olumba, who crossed over with members of the Olumba Socio-Political Forum (OSPF), a grassroots political organisation with structures in all 12 wards of Ido Local Government Area.

Also defecting were members of the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF), who said they left the APC due to what they described as unfulfilled promises and a lack of political inclusion within the party.

The prayer session, attended by party leaders, supporters and campaign officials, was organised to thank God for the successful completion of Adekanmbi's statewide tour and to seek divine guidance as preparations intensify for the 2027 governorship election.

Receiving the new members, Adekanmbi assured them of equal treatment within the party, saying the APM was committed to building a broad-based political movement that welcomes people regardless of their previous political affiliations.

He thanked the defectors for their confidence in the party and pledged to run an inclusive, people-centred administration if elected governor.

"Our vision is to build a government that carries everyone along. We are committed to fairness, justice and inclusive governance where every stakeholder has a sense of belonging," Adekanmbi said.

He also urged the new members to work closely with existing party faithful to strengthen the APM's structures across the state and mobilise grassroots support ahead of the 2027 governorship election.