In a major political realignment ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, scores of members from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Rauf Aregbesola-led Omoluabi Progressive Group have defected to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection ceremony took place over the weekend in Ejigbo Local Government Area, where hundreds of defectors were officially received into the APC at a well-attended event held at Ilupeju Multipurpose Hall.
Ejigbo APC apex leader and former senator, Mudashiru Husain, welcomed the new members, hailing their decision as a reflection of the growing appeal of the APC despite being in opposition. Husain, a leading contender for the APC’s 2026 governorship ticket, pledged fairness and inclusivity while describing the defections as a “product of purposeful and collective leadership.”
“The defection of these numerous members from the PDP and Omoluabi Tendency shows that our grassroots strategy is working. Our goal is to build a broad-based movement to ensure APC’s victory in 2026 and deliver President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda in Osun,” Husain stated.
He added that his ambition to govern the state was driven by a commitment to progressive ideals, party discipline, and grassroots mobilisation. “It’s not a do-or-die affair, but I’m optimistic that I’ll emerge as the APC candidate and lead us to reclaim Osun,” he said.
Leaders of the defecting factions expressed their motivations for switching camps. Hon. Wole Olajire, speaking on behalf of the Omoluabi group, said their move was “from uncertainty to certainty,” while PDP defector Hon. Kareem Mubarak decried his former party’s lack of internal democracy and performance.
The event also featured remarks from local APC leaders, including Ejigbo LG Chairman Hon. Ayegbayo Gbolahan, West LCDA Chairman Hon. Olayanju Kolapo, and APC Ejigbo Chairman Hon. Lateef Adegoke, who praised the defectors and committed to strengthening the party’s base ahead of the crucial polls.
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