Six members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State on Tuesday formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), in a move seen as a major boost for the political influence of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmakers announced their defection during plenary at the House of Representatives after lawmakers resumed legislative activities following the Sallah break.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, read a total of 13 letters from lawmakers notifying the House of their decisions to change political parties.
Among those who moved from the PDP to the APM were Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle and Adigun Adekunle, all members of the Oyo State caucus in the Green Chamber.
The development is being widely linked to Governor Makinde, who recently left the PDP and joined the APM. The governor has also declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the APM, setting the stage for a major political realignment in Oyo State and beyond.
With the latest development, six out of the 14 members representing Oyo State in the House of Representatives have now aligned themselves with the governor in the APM.
In separate letters addressed to the House leadership, the lawmakers explained that their decision was influenced by the lingering crisis within the PDP.
According to them, persistent internal disagreements, leadership disputes and factional struggles within the party made it difficult for them to continue their political activities under the PDP platform.
They stated that the move to the APM would provide them with a more stable political environment as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections.
The lawmakers maintained that their decision was taken after careful consideration of the political situation within their former party and the need to pursue their future ambitions through an alternative platform.
The defections mark another significant chapter in the political developments surrounding Oyo State politics.
For years, the PDP has remained one of the dominant political parties in the state, particularly since Makinde became governor. His administration has maintained considerable influence across the state’s political landscape, with many elected officials owing their political rise to his support.
However, recent political developments have altered the equation.
Makinde’s departure from the PDP and his decision to pitch his tent with the APM have generated widespread interest among political stakeholders, especially as discussions around the 2027 presidential race continue to gather momentum.
The defections could also have implications for the balance of power within the Oyo caucus of the House of Representatives and the wider political structure of the state.
Although the PDP still retains some lawmakers from Oyo State, the departure of six members represents a significant loss for the party.
The PDP has in recent months battled internal disagreements in several parts of the country, with disputes over leadership and party direction creating divisions among members.
Such challenges have led to defections and realignments in different states as politicians position themselves for future elections.
For the APM, the arrival of six serving members of the House of Representatives is expected to strengthen its profile and expand its influence, particularly in the South-West region.
The party has traditionally played a smaller role compared to larger political parties such as the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC), but recent developments suggest it may seek a bigger role in national politics ahead of 2027.
Lawmakers and political leaders often cite internal party crises, ideological differences or strategic considerations when changing political platforms.
The latest move by the Oyo lawmakers is likely to generate further debate about the future of the PDP in the state and the growing influence of the APM under Makinde’s leadership.
It may also trigger fresh calculations among politicians who are yet to declare their political direction ahead of the next election cycle.
As political activities gradually intensify across the country, attention will now focus on whether more elected officials from Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria will join the APM.
For Governor Makinde, the defection of six federal lawmakers represents an early sign of support for his new political journey and a demonstration of his continued influence within Oyo State politics.