The political base of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State further depleted on Monday as its former House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Niyi Adeogun, and other party stalwarts defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The defectors said they were moved by the radical economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji at both the federal and state levels.
Speaking while being received by APC leaders at his Erinmope/Aaye Oja/Irare Ward in Moba Local Government Area, Adeogun commended the Oyebanji administration for its inclusive and welfarist governance.
The former PDP chieftain cited Governor Oyebanji’s open-door leadership, which he said accommodates politicians across party lines, as well as students, women, artisans, civil servants, and people from all walks of life.
Adeogun praised the governor for his commitment to rural development, particularly in Moba Council, through road reconstruction projects such as the Erinmope–Irare Road and others that enhance agricultural productivity and promote food security in the state.
He pledged to use his experience to strengthen the APC at the grassroots by mobilising support for Oyebanji’s second-term bid.
“I am defecting today with the PDP Ward Chairman and Youth Leader, among other executive members and politicians who were the lifeblood of the opposition in the past.
“I am not defecting for personal gain, but to support the good work of Governor Oyebanji. He has complemented President Tinubu’s efforts at the centre, and our economy is rising through the strategic implementation of this administration’s six pillars.
“Everywhere you go, there are signs of progress — roads under construction, the flyover in Ado-Ekiti, the operational airport, the Ado-Ekiti Ring Road, Ado–Ikere Road, Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki Road, Ikere–Ilawe Road, Ikole–Ara–Isinbode Road, among others. Ekiti has become a massive construction site.
“I assure you that I will work tirelessly to project the governor’s good image and ensure the APC secures a resounding victory in the 2026 election,” he said.
Receiving the defectors, APC State Chairman Hon. Sola Elesin assured them of fair treatment, noting that discrimination has no place under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership.
Elesin, represented by the ward chairman, Hon. Kolawole Olaoluwa, said: “Now that you have joined us, be loyal to our party and the governor, who is our leader and a man of integrity. You have every right to aspire to any position of your choice. As the 2026 election approaches, work with others to ensure the governor’s re-election so that all of us can continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
