Mass Defection Hits Oyo PDP as Makinde Loyalists Leave

On Thursday, a significant defection occurred within the Oyo State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), as loyalists of Governor Seyi Makinde announced their decision to leave the party. This move comes amid ongoing internal crises that have plagued the PDP for several months.

Key figures who defected include gubernatorial aspirant Olufemi Oguntoyinbo, Special Adviser on Security Fatai Owoseni, and several local government chairmen and state assembly members. Notable defectors include Akeem Olatunji, Abiodun Fadeyi, Anthony Adepoju, Abass Adigun, and Adedeji Olajide Fadeyi.

Olatunji, a former public secretary of the PDP in the state, cited the internal crises as a primary reason for the mass exit, stating that the party is not allowing for effective governance. The defectors have not disclosed which political party they intend to join, but their departure marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.