Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday tightened his grip on the state’s federal lawmakers as six members of the House of Representatives from Oyo defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The defections were formally announced on the floor of the House during plenary, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who read a total of 13 letters from lawmakers indicating changes in party affiliation.
The Oyo lawmakers who moved to the APM include Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle, and Adigun Adekunle. All are considered loyal to Governor Makinde, who recently defected to the APM and has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform.
In their letters, the lawmakers attributed their decision to the lingering internal crisis and leadership disputes within the PDP, saying the situation had made it difficult to pursue their political ambitions.
The latest move means Makinde has now taken six of the 14 Oyo caucus members in the House of Representatives into the APM.
Meanwhile, the House also witnessed a series of defections cutting across party lines. In Bauchi State, Auwalu Gwalabe left the PDP for the APM. Conversely, Shehu Dalhatu, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency in Katsina State, defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP, citing consultations with his constituents.
In Delta State, Etanabene Benedict moved from the Labour Party (LP) to the PDP, blaming internal crises within the party. Similarly, Alex Egbona defected from the APC to the PDP, reaffirming his commitment to his constituents.
In Edo State, Esosa Iyawe switched from the APC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, citing irreconcilable differences with his former party’s state chapter.
Also, Gbefwi Gaza defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Labour Party.
The developments highlight ongoing political realignments within the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- Ekiti artisans, private sector endorse Oyebanji’s second term bid - June 2, 2026
- Six Oyo Reps defect to APM - June 2, 2026
- NUPRC workers suspend strike - June 2, 2026
