“If I Can’t Get Ticket, I’m Leaving” — The New National Anthem Inside Oyo PDP 😂
Oyo PDP Under Pressure: Full List of Major Resignations and Defections Rocking the Party Ahead of 2027
The political atmosphere in Oyo State is gradually heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears to be facing one of its most sensitive internal moments since assuming power in the state. With growing political realignments, internal disagreements, and succession calculations already unfolding behind closed doors, several resignations and defections have started shaking the foundation of the ruling party.
Political observers believe the situation may only intensify in the coming months as politicians continue to position themselves for survival, relevance, and future electoral tickets. In Nigerian politics, loyalty often changes once ambitions appear threatened, especially when party stakeholders begin to feel sidelined from major succession arrangements.
Many politicians naturally begin to explore alternative political platforms once they suspect they may not secure second-term tickets or strategic appointments. The battle for power and influence ahead of 2027 is already creating visible cracks within the Oyo PDP structure.
Major PDP Resignations and Defections Recorded So Far
1. Hon. Dr. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju (Ibarapakan)
One of the biggest political resignations currently making headlines is that of Hon. Dr. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, popularly known as “Ibarapakan,” the member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency.
The federal lawmaker officially resigned from the PDP, citing unresolved internal crises affecting the party across Oyo State and within his constituency. In his resignation letter dated May 5, 2026, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 4, Isale Penbo, Igbo-Ora, Adepoju explained that the lingering disputes within the party had begun to negatively affect his legislative duties and weaken the leadership structure.
According to him, the PDP had been more than just a political platform because of his family’s long-standing history within the party. He recalled that his late father, Dr. Amos Ademola Adepoju, was among the founding fathers of the PDP in 1998 and once served as the party’s National Financial Secretary between 1999 and 2002.
Adepoju stated that his resignation became necessary to enable him focus fully on the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency. He also assured supporters that his next political move would be announced soon.
2. Hon. Babajide Gabriel
Another notable resignation reportedly affecting the Oyo PDP structure is that of Hon. Babajide Gabriel. His exit has further strengthened speculations that more politicians may soon leave the ruling party as political camps continue to reorganize ahead of 2027.
Although details surrounding his next political destination remain unclear, insiders believe his resignation reflects the growing dissatisfaction among some stakeholders over internal party arrangements and future ticket calculations.
3. Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo also recently resigned from the PDP after publicly expressing concerns over unresolved internal crises within the party at the national level.
Ajadi explained that extensive consultations and political reflections influenced his decision to leave the party. According to him, the instability and leadership challenges within the PDP created uncertainty regarding the future direction of the party.
His resignation attracted significant political attention because of his visibility within the opposition space and his influence among young political supporters.
Why More Defections May Hit Oyo PDP
Several political analysts believe the current resignations may only represent the early stage of a wider political reshaping ahead of the 2027 elections.
The growing conversations around succession politics within Oyo PDP have continued to generate tension among party loyalists. The emergence of Abimbola Adekanmbi as a proposed major political figure and possible “poster boy” within the party has reportedly created mixed reactions among different camps.
While some stakeholders see the move as part of long-term political planning, others believe it could further divide the party and push more politicians toward rival political platforms.
The reality of Nigerian politics is that many politicians rarely remain where they believe their ambitions may be blocked. Once ticket allocations, power sharing, and succession plans begin to favor certain groups, realignments usually follow immediately.
Interestingly, political defections are rarely one-sided. While some politicians may leave the PDP, others from rival parties are also expected to join the party depending on ongoing negotiations and strategic interests.
Oyo Politics Enters “Transfer Season”
Political observers have compared the current wave of defections and alignments to a football transfer window, where politicians continuously switch camps based on where they believe their ambitions stand the best chance of survival.
Oyo State has historically experienced dramatic political movements before major elections, and the build-up toward 2027 already appears to be following that familiar pattern.
With the political clock ticking steadily, many more resignations, alliances, and unexpected defections are still expected in the months ahead. The battle for influence, succession control, and party dominance has unofficially begun, and the Oyo PDP may still face more turbulence before the 2027 elections finally arrive.
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