A significant political development has emerged from Ekiti State as Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun, a former Commissioner for Works, officially announced her departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, which took place at a ceremony in her hometown of Orin-Ekiti, sees Ogun publicly declaring her support for the re-election bids of both Governor Biodun Oyebanji and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reasons for the Political Shift
Mrs. Ogun, who served under former Governor Ayodele Fayose, stated that her decision stemmed from a growing disillusionment with the PDP. She explained that while her political career began with a desire to serve the people of Ekiti through the party, she now believes the PDP has strayed from its core principles and can no longer provide the necessary platform for her to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
Her defection was formalized when she was officially welcomed into the APC by Hon. Adewumi Aina, the party’s chairman for Ido/Osi Local Government Area, who represented the State Working Committee. Ogun emphasized that her transition was not motivated by personal ambition for existing party positions, but rather a commitment to collaborate with current leaders and strengthen the APC’s base from within.
Strategic Contribution and Grassroots Mobilization
Accompanying Mrs. Ogun were numerous supporters from across Ekiti State, who also joined the APC. The former commissioner revealed plans for this new group to immediately launch grassroots campaigns across various wards within Ido/Osi Local Government. This initiative aims to consolidate and expand the APC’s presence and influence at the community level.
Highlighting her extensive background, Ogun pointed to her combined experience in both the private sector and public service as assets that would contribute significantly to the APC’s growth and the broader development of Ekiti State. She also took the opportunity to commend previous governors, including Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, and Ayodele Fayose, for their leadership and their continued support for Governor Oyebanji’s administration.
Warm Welcome from APC Leadership
APC leaders expressed their enthusiasm for Mrs. Ogun’s addition to the party. Hon. Adewumi Aina described her as a valuable asset and encouraged existing members to embrace all new defectors without discrimination, ensuring they receive equal rights and privileges within the party structure.
Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, a former Commissioner for Education, lauded Ogun’s impressive record during her time in office. She voiced confidence that Ogun’s political acumen and extensive network of contacts across communities in Ido/Osi would be instrumental in deepening the APC’s support in the local government area. Similarly, Yomi Ayorinde, the lawmaker representing Ido/Osi Constituency II in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, urged Ogun to leverage her experience in building the party’s presence throughout the local government.
Broader Political Context
This high-profile defection adds another layer to the evolving political landscape as the 2027 general elections draw closer. It underscores the ongoing realignments within Nigerian politics, particularly concerning support for President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election bid, even as opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi prepare their own challenges. Such movements reflect the dynamic nature of party loyalties and strategic positioning ahead of future electoral contests.