In a major realignment within Ogun State’s political landscape, former Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Abdulkabir Akinlade, and former PDP State Chairman, Sikirulai Ogundele, have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside thousands of supporters from both the PDP and Allied People’s Movement (APM).
The high-profile defection took place on Thursday at the APC secretariat in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, where party loyalists welcomed the returnees in what many described as a “strategic homecoming.”
Akinlade, fondly referred to as “Triple A,” declared that the return was well-considered and reflective of a unified decision among his political base. He previously represented the APM in the 2019 governorship election and joined the PDP in the lead-up to the 2023 polls in alliance with Ladi Adebutu.
Speaking at the event, Akinlade said, “From where we’re coming, once our leader speaks, that’s final. That shows that we’ve had deep consultations. This is not a personal move — we are here as a team, united in voice and vision.”
He added that both PDP and APM structures under his leadership had resolved to reintegrate fully into the APC, stating, “We have discussed with Mr. Governor and agreed to move back home en masse. No one will be left behind by God’s grace.”
On his part, Ogundele, who led the PDP in Ogun for years, described the defection as a logical response to evolving political dynamics. He noted that with his departure, the PDP structure in the state had effectively collapsed into the APC.
“When the rhythm of the drum changes, so must the dance steps,” he said. “We’re not just defecting; we are migrating with the entire structure of the PDP to the APC. I am the strategic and structural leader of the PDP in Ogun State — where I go, the party structure follows.”
Ogundele also praised the leadership styles of both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun, commending their governance records as key motivations for the move.
“Our president is doing exceptionally well, and the same goes for Governor Abiodun. His administration has delivered impactful governance to the people of Ogun State,” he stated.
The development signals a significant boost for the APC ahead of future elections and is expected to reshape political alliances within the state. Party stakeholders hailed the defection as a major political win, while insiders believe it strengthens the ruling party’s dominance and weakens opposition influence across Ogun State.
