Makinde Tightens Grip on Oyo Politics as Six Reps Abandon PDP for APM

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expanded his influence within the National Assembly on Tuesday after six members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State formally left the Peoples Democratic Party and aligned with the Allied Peoples Movement.

The defections, announced on the floor of the House during plenary, underscored the growing impact of Makinde’s recent decision to leave the PDP and embrace the APM ahead of the 2027 political season.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over proceedings following the Sallah recess, read a total of 13 letters from lawmakers notifying the chamber of changes in party affiliation.

The latest political movement comes weeks after Makinde himself exited the PDP for the APM and declared his intention to seek the presidency in the 2027 general election.

The six lawmakers from Oyo State who followed the governor into the APM are Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle and Adigun Adekunle.

In separate letters addressed to the House, the legislators attributed their decision to leave the PDP to the prolonged internal crises and leadership disputes that have continued to plague the opposition party. They said the situation had compelled them to seek a new political platform through which they could pursue their future ambitions.

Their departure means Makinde has successfully moved six of Oyo State’s 14 House of Representatives members into the APM, significantly strengthening the party’s legislative presence and consolidating his political base ahead of the next election cycle.

The wave of defections was not limited to Oyo State, as lawmakers across different political parties also announced fresh alignments on the floor of the House.

In Bauchi State, Auwalu Gwalabe also abandoned the PDP for the APM, adding to the growing list of lawmakers rallying behind the emerging platform.

However, the PDP recorded gains as well.

Representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency of Katsina State, Shehu Dalhatu resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress and joined the PDP.

Explaining his decision, Dalhatu stated, “After careful consideration of the issues in the APC and having consulted with my constituencies, I have resolved to join the PDP.”

The Labour Party also lost a member as Delta State lawmaker Etanabene Benedict defected to the PDP.

In his letter, Benedict cited “the crisis in the LP,” as the reason for abandoning the party in the South-South state.

The PDP further boosted its numbers with the arrival of Alex Egbona, who left the APC to join the opposition party.

While announcing his decision, Egbona assured constituents that his loyalty to legislative duties would remain unchanged, noting that his “commitment to the House and his constituency remains unshakeable.”

Another notable political shift came from Edo State, where lawmaker Esosa Iyawe changed party affiliation yet again.

Iyawe, who has now switched parties three times in three years, resigned from the APC and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

He attributed the move to “Irreconciliable difference with the Edo State chapter of the APC for his decision.”

Also joining the list of defectors was Nasarawa lawmaker Gbefwi Gaza, who left the Social Democratic Party and pitched his tent with the Labour Party.

The latest movements on the floor of the House reflect the growing political realignments taking shape across the country as parties reposition ahead of the 2027 elections, with governors, lawmakers and political blocs increasingly seeking platforms they believe offer stronger prospects in the coming contest.