A jubilant atmosphere took over Ketebo Ward, Osi-Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State on Sunday, May 11, 2025, as over 1,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially defected to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), marking a significant political shift in the region.

The defectors, hailing from communities including Itele, Odo-Pako, and parts of Ota, were warmly received by the NNPP leadership during a rally described as a “political homecoming.”

In his welcome address, the Ogun State NNPP Chairman and International Lawyer, Barrister Olufemi John Aina, praised the courage of the new members, assuring them of equal status within the party.

“We don’t believe in second-class membership in NNPP. Every member, whether old or new, will be treated fairly and equally. This is a new dawn for Ketebo Ward and indeed for Ogun politics,” Aina declared.

He further criticized the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP in Nigeria’s political landscape, describing it as a threat to genuine multiparty democracy.

“The APC and PDP have hijacked our democracy for too long. It’s time for a new narrative. NNPP has been restructured in Ogun State to offer a modern, people-driven alternative. We are ready for the 2027 general elections, and we will win convincingly,” he stated.

Leading the defectors, Prince Akinjide, a former PDP ward leader, explained that the mass exodus was driven by dissatisfaction with PDP’s leadership and a desire for a party with genuine vision and people-oriented values.

“Our people are tired of the arrogance and the ‘use-and-dump’ attitude of PDP politicians in Ogun State,” Akinjide noted. “We have found a new political home in NNPP, a party with a clear vision, strong leadership, and a future every Nigerian can be proud of.”

He emphasized that the defectors were inspired by the leadership qualities of NNPP at both state and national levels, citing its commitment to inclusivity, internal democracy, and credible leadership.

Representing the NNPP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the party’s State Secretary and Deputy Governorship Candidate, Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo, urged the new members to stay committed and work towards strengthening the party.

“On behalf of Ambassador Ajadi, I welcome you into the NNPP family. We are excited to have such a strong team join our movement,” Arowolo said. “Our party believes in collective effort, and we are confident that, with unity, NNPP will bring the change Ogun State needs.”

She also delivered Ajadi’s goodwill message and presented a donation to support the ward’s mobilization efforts.

Hon. Atele Jeremiah Nunayon, the NNPP Chairman for Ogun West Senatorial District, predicted an intense 2027 electoral race, warning that other political parties may attempt to sway voters with material gifts like tricycles and buses. He affirmed that NNPP would focus on justice, good governance, and sustainable development, rather than short-term incentives.

“We are focused on building social infrastructure, ensuring quality road networks, and improving the welfare of the people of Ogun State,” he said.

In a symbolic act, the defectors publicly tore their PDP membership cards in the presence of cheering crowds.

One of the defectors, Oyedele Samuel Adisa, popularly known as ‘Wonder Man,’ expressed joy after tearing his card, saying, “I am happy to say goodbye to the unfaithful political party called PDP.”

Political analysts view this wave of defections as a significant boost to NNPP’s grassroots strength in Ogun State, particularly in the populous Ado-Odo/Ota axis. This shift may signal growing discontent within the ranks of the PDP, which has faced internal divisions and diminishing influence in recent years.

As 2027 approaches, NNPP’s rising momentum could reshape the political landscape of Ogun State and potentially influence the broader Nigerian political structure, with promises of inclusive governance and a citizen-first approach.