The political landscape in Oyo State has recorded another round of realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and supporters associated with the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF) formally joined the Allied People’s Movement (APM).
The defectors were received on Thursday evening at the Bashorun, Ibadan residence of prominent APM chieftain Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan, during a gathering attended by party leaders, supporters and political associates.
Reports of the event indicate that the defectors included APC members as well as ADC members from Ido Local Government Area. Some supporters associated with ROCOF also announced their decision to leave the APC political fold and align with the political structure supporting Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde through Olopoeyan.
The development is particularly significant because of ROCOF’s previous political activities.
Although ROCOF describes itself officially as a non-political, non-religious and non-ethnic movement committed to justice, equity, accountability and good governance, the organisation has been strongly associated with the political activities of House of Representatives member Hon. Aderemi Oseni.
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), had previously explained that ROCOF was created to complement the APC’s mobilisation efforts rather than compete with the party. He said the movement was intended to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election and his own political aspirations.
In July 2025, ROCOF also organised a statewide leadership assembly involving coordinators from Oyo State’s 33 local government areas, during which Oseni spoke about returning the APC to power in the state in 2027.
Against that background, the departure of some supporters associated with the organisation represents a notable grassroots political shift, although it does not necessarily indicate that ROCOF as an organisation has abandoned Oseni or the APC.
Speaking while receiving the defectors, Olopoeyan described their arrival as another boost for the political movement aligned with Governor Makinde.
He attributed the growing political support for Makinde to what he described as the governor’s record of governance, infrastructural development and policies that have attracted supporters beyond traditional party boundaries.
Olopoeyan maintained that Makinde’s performance remained a major factor influencing politicians and residents who are increasingly identifying with his political direction as preparations for future electoral contests intensify.
He also assured the new entrants that they would enjoy equal treatment within their new political family, insisting that there would be no distinction between longstanding members and those joining the movement.
“Our doors are open all the time to everyone who believes in the progress of Oyo State. There is no difference between those joining today and those who have been with us. Everyone is equal, and everyone has the same rights and opportunities,” Olopoeyan said.
He urged the defectors to embrace unity, loyalty and sustained grassroots mobilisation as the APM works to strengthen its political structure across Oyo State.
Representatives of the defecting ROCOF supporters said their decision followed consultations among members, adding that they were prepared to contribute meaningfully to their new political movement.
With political parties and influential blocs already repositioning themselves ahead of 2027, the latest defections add another dimension to the increasingly fluid battle for political influence in Oyo State.
APM — Nigeria First. 🤝
0 Comments