IBADAN — The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) on Thursday received thousands of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party during a political rally held at Olomi Market Junction in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The rally was attended by the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, and the APM candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, alongside other party leaders and supporters.

The APM described the influx of new members as a major boost to its grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing the gathering, Ajadi welcomed the defectors, saying they had joined the party because of its commitment to good governance, peace and improved welfare for the people.

He urged the new members to remain loyal to the party and intensify mobilisation efforts in their various local governments, wards and polling units ahead of the next general election.

According to him, the APM is determined to provide practical solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges and called on more residents across Oyo State to identify with the party.

Ajadi also praised Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors, saying the administration had inspired confidence among residents.

He said many people were joining the APM because they shared the values of good governance, accountability and service to the people.

The senatorial candidate also offered prayers for the safe return of schoolchildren recently abducted at Ahoro-Esinle in Orire Local Government Area, expressing hope that they would soon reunite with their families.

In his remarks, Adekanmbi urged voters to focus on the competence, integrity and vision of candidates rather than their political parties.

He said elections should produce leaders capable of improving the living conditions of citizens through economic empowerment and sustainable development.

Adekanmbi also commended Governor Makinde’s leadership, describing his administration as one that had transformed lives through investments in critical sectors, including infrastructure, education and healthcare.

According to him, many of those joining the APM were motivated by a desire to sustain development and promote accountable governance.

One of the defectors, Hon. Adekola Yusuf Olatunde, a former Accord Party senatorial aspirant, said internal disagreements and the absence of consensus among party stakeholders informed his decision to leave the party.

He alleged that disputes over candidates for elective positions had created uncertainty within the party and made it difficult to pursue common political goals.

Olatunde expressed confidence in the leadership of Adekanmbi, Ajadi and other APM candidates, pledging to mobilise support for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Other APM candidates present at the rally included Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji, the party’s candidate for the Oluyole Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, and Hon. Waheed Akintayo, candidate for the Oluyole State Constituency seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly.

The event also featured performances by Juju musician Otunba Femi Fadipe, popularly known as Femolancaster, and his band, who entertained party members and supporters throughout the gathering.

Party leaders, youth groups, women associations and grassroots mobilisers from across Oluyole Local Government Area attended the rally.

Observers say the defections reflect increasing political realignments in Oyo State as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.