Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday demonstrated his growing political influence as six members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The defections were announced during the resumption of plenary after the Sallah break. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, read 13 letters from lawmakers notifying the House of their decisions to change political parties.
The development comes weeks after Makinde reportedly moved to the APM and declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform.
The Oyo lawmakers who joined the APM are Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle, and Adigun Adekunle.
In separate letters addressed to the House, the lawmakers attributed their departure from the PDP to the party’s prolonged internal crisis and leadership challenges. They said the situation had compelled them to seek a new political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections mean that six of the 14 members of the Oyo State caucus in the House of Representatives have now aligned with Governor Makinde in the APM.
The political realignments were not limited to Oyo State, as the House also recorded defections involving lawmakers from other states.
Auwalu Gwalabe of Bauchi State also left the PDP for the APM, further strengthening the party’s presence in the lower chamber.
Meanwhile, the PDP gained new members from other political parties.
Shehu Dalhatu, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency of Katsina State, defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP.
Explaining his decision, Dalhatu said he had consulted widely with his constituents before making the move.
“After careful consideration of the issues in the APC and having consulted with my constituencies, I have resolved to join the PDP,” he stated.
In Delta State, Etanabene Benedict left the Labour Party (LP) for the PDP, citing the lingering crisis within the party as the reason for his decision.
The PDP also welcomed Alex Egbona, who defected from the APC. Egbona assured constituents that his commitment to legislative duties and effective representation remained unchanged.
Another notable defection came from Edo State, where Esosa Iyawe left the APC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Iyawe blamed irreconcilable differences with the Edo State chapter of the APC for his latest political move.
In Nasarawa State, Gbefwi Gaza announced his departure from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to join the Labour Party.
The wave of defections highlights the ongoing political realignments across party lines as politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
