Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, demonstrated growing political influence within Oyo State on Tuesday as six members of the state’s caucus in the House of Representatives of Nigeria officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The defections were announced during plenary at the House of Representatives following the Eid-el-Kabir recess. Presiding over the session, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read a total of 13 letters from lawmakers notifying the House of their decisions to switch political parties.
The development comes weeks after Governor Makinde formally left the PDP for the APM and subsequently declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of his new party.
Among the lawmakers from Oyo State who joined the APM were Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle and Adigun Adekunle. Their defections further strengthen the governor’s influence within the National Assembly and signal growing support for his political movement ahead of the next general election.
In their separate letters to the House, the lawmakers attributed their decision to the lingering leadership crisis and internal divisions within the PDP. They argued that the unresolved disputes within the party had created uncertainty and made it necessary for them to seek a more stable political platform as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
With the latest defections, Makinde has successfully moved six of the 14 members of the Oyo State House of Representatives caucus into the APM, significantly expanding the party’s representation in the lower chamber and boosting its national profile.
The reshuffling of party affiliations was not limited to Oyo State, as several lawmakers across the country also announced changes in political allegiance during Tuesday’s plenary session.
In Bauchi State, Auwalu Gwalabe left the PDP to join the APM, further increasing the party’s presence in the House.
Meanwhile, the PDP recorded notable gains from other political parties. Shehu Dalhatu, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency in Katsina State, defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP.
Explaining his decision, Dalhatu said he had consulted extensively with constituents before deciding to leave the APC.
“After careful consideration of the issues in the APC and having consulted with my constituencies, I have resolved to join the PDP,” he stated.
The PDP also welcomed Etanabene Benedict from Delta State, who departed the Labour Party. Benedict cited persistent internal disputes within the Labour Party as the primary reason for his decision.
Another lawmaker, Alex Egbona, also switched from the APC to the PDP. While announcing his defection, Egbona reassured constituents that his dedication to legislative duties and constituency representation would remain unchanged despite the political move.
In another notable development, Edo State lawmaker Esosa Iyawe changed political parties once again, leaving the APC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The lawmaker attributed his decision to what he described as irreconcilable disagreements with the APC leadership in Edo State.
The latest move marks yet another party switch for Iyawe, who has changed political affiliations multiple times within the last three years.
Also during the session, Nasarawa lawmaker Gbefwi Gaza announced his departure from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party.
The wave of defections reflects the increasing political realignments taking place across Nigeria as parties and politicians reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts believe the movements could significantly reshape the balance of power within the National Assembly and influence emerging political alliances in the months ahead.
