By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Leaders of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have formally received former Chairman of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Advisory Council, Senator Hosea Agboola (aka Halleluya), and over 50,000 members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) into the party.
Leaders of the APC described the development as a major boost to the party’s “expanding political base” in the South-West state.
The defectors, drawn from all the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, were received by the Oyo State Ambassador of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin; alongside the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Senator Abdulfatai Buhari; Senator Sharafadeen Alli; the state APC Chairman, Olayide Abass; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle; Engr. Idris Adeoye, and former Deputy Governors, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Chief Moses Alake, and Engr. Rauf Olaniyan.
Other APC chieftains present included Hon. Remi Oseni, Hon. Olamiju Alao-Akala, Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan, Prof. Adeolu Akande, Hon. Bolaji Repete, Hon. Akeem Akogun, Alhaji Saheed Alaran, Alhaji Wasiu Dauda, Hon. Yinka Taiwo and several other party leaders.
Speaking during the event, Senator Folarin described the mass defection as “a strong endorsement of the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” noting that the APC remained the most credible platform for inclusive governance and sustainable national development.
He assured the new members of full integration into the party, stressing that the APC in Oyo State had resolved all internal differences and was now united, disciplined, and fully focused on grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, Adelabu welcomed Senator Agboola and the defectors, describing their decision as timely and courageous, and reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to peace, unity, and collective progress in the state.
Senator Buhari also congratulated the defectors, stating that the wave of defections into the APC underscored the party’s growing organisational strength and acceptance among the people.
Also, Senator Ali said “the growing influx of opposition members into the APC reflects renewed public confidence in the Tinubu administration,” adding that the party was now better positioned to deliver meaningful development across Oyo State.
On his part, Abas assured the defectors of equal rights and opportunities within the party, emphasising that the APC leadership in Oyo State remained committed to fairness, discipline, and internal democracy.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Senator Agboola, a former Senate Chief Whip, said the decision to join the APC followed extensive consultations.
He added that the Renewed Hope Agenda and the prevailing unity among APC leaders in Oyo State informed their resolve to align with the ruling party.
The defectors were received in Iseyin during the ongoing Federal Constituency Tour of Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola, jointly undertaken by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the APC in Oyo State.
