2027: Makinde’s Ex-Chief of Staff, 32 APM Chieftains Defect to APC

The immediate past Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Segun Ogunwuyi, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside 32 other chieftains of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The defection took place on Tuesday in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, in a political development that could affect the balance of forces in the Ogbomoso Zone ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ogunwuyi, who previously served as Makinde’s Chief of Staff, led the group of defectors during an event attended by prominent APC leaders and political stakeholders in the state.

Recall, Politics Nigeria had earlier reported that the Oyo State Governor’s Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi had resigned from his position.

His decision to leave the APM alongside several other party officials is important, given his previous position in the Makinde administration and his political influence in Ogbomoso.

Among those who joined the APC were Rasak Gbadegesin, popularly known as Agbeti, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.

Other defectors included Timothy Oyeniyi, Alabi Olateju, Banji Folaranmi, Isaiah Adegbite and Peter Oyetunji.

The group also comprised the APM Chairman in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Jimoh Sikiru, alongside several serving and former political appointees across the Ogbomoso axis.

They included council secretaries, chiefs of staff, supervisory councillors and special assistants attached to the chairmen of Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa local government areas.

The presence of officials from the four local government areas suggests that the movement involved political figures drawn from different parts of the Ogbomoso Zone.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ogunwuyi said their decision to join the APC was driven by their desire to contribute to the party’s growth and electoral success.

He expressed confidence in the APC’s chances in the area during the next general elections.

“We came to the APC to add value to the party, and the APC will win convincingly in Ogbomoso Zone.”

The former Chief of Staff also indicated that the defectors were prepared to participate in the party’s activities and work towards strengthening its political structure ahead of 2027.

Welcoming the new members, the Oyo State APC Chairman, Moses Adeyemo, assured them that they would enjoy equal opportunities within the party.

Adeyemo said the APC remained open to politicians willing to contribute to its development, irrespective of their previous political affiliations.

He urged the defectors to immediately become involved in the party’s activities and support its candidates during the forthcoming elections.

“Let me use this gathering to urge you all to work hard for the success of the APC candidates in the 2027 general elections,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the APC governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Alli, described the development as a major setback for the political camp of Governor Makinde.

Alli argued that the decision by Ogunwuyi and other prominent politicians to abandon the APM reflected growing divisions within the party.

He specifically mentioned the former Chief of Staff and Gbadegesin, saying their departure should send a message to other politicians still associated with the APM.

APM logo; Seyi Makinde

“For the likes of Segun Ogunwuyi, Rasak Gbadegesin (Agbeti) and other politicians of substance to abandon Governor Makinde, it means a lot, and I use this medium to tell the few who are still there to leave now and join us in the APC.”

The APC governorship candidate also called on other political figures in the state to consider joining the party as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

One of the defectors, Banji Folaranmi, offered his explanation for leaving the APM, accusing the party of operating without sufficient internal participation.

Folaranmi alleged that the party’s activities and decisions were largely controlled by one individual.

“I left APM because it is a one-man party. Only Governor Makinde is running the party.”

His comments provided an indication of the grievances that may have influenced some members of the group to abandon the party.

However, the defection comes at a time when political parties in Oyo State are positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections, with the APC seeking to expand its influence across the state’s political zones.

Several prominent APC figures attended the reception organised for the defectors in Ogbomoso.

Among them were the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Adesoji Adedeji; its Oyo North Senatorial District candidate, Hannah Ogunesan; Segun Odebunmi; and Olamijuwon Alao-Akala.

Other notable attendees included former senators Ayoade Adeseun and Brimoh Yusuf, as well as Kemi Alao-Akala, wife of the late former governor.

Former Oyo State APC Chairman, Akin Oke, was also present alongside Olagunju Ojo, Bashiru Akataapa, Aderemi Adepoju and Abiodun Adeyemo, popularly known as Obadoba.

Members of the Oyo State APC executive committee also attended the event.

The Director-General of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Council, Yemi Aderibigbe, and his deputy, Sola Ogunbode, were among those who received the new members.

This article first appeared on Politics Nigeria: https://politicsnigeria.com/2026/11/11/2027-makindes-ex-chief-of-staff-32-apm-chieftains-defect-to-apc/

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