By Seyifunmi Azeez
Oyo State politician and former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending more than two decades of membership.
In a letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman for Ward 1 in Ona Ara Local Government, Ibadan, and dated Monday, Akinjide said her decision followed “a long period of personal reflection.” She joined the party in 2001 and has held key positions at both state and federal levels.
“I hereby formally give you notice of my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately,” Akinjide wrote. “This decision was not taken lightly… I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a member of the party and the experiences and relationships built during my time.”
Akinjide, a lawyer trained at the University of London and Harvard, previously served as Minister of State for the FCT and was the PDP candidate for the Oyo Central Senatorial District in 2011. Her departure is seen by political analysts in Oyo as a possible precursor to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as defections in the state continue ahead of the 2027 elections.
Earlier this year, the APC formally welcomed more than 50,000 defectors from the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and other smaller parties in Oyo State, citing the federal government’s Renewed Hope agenda under President Bola Tinubu.
The south-west has witnessed similar political shifts. Last month, five PDP members of the National Assembly from Osun State including senators and House of Representatives members defected to the APC, reinforcing the trend of high-profile political realignments.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, a PDP loyalist, last week dismissed speculation about his own defection and reaffirmed the party’s determination to field candidates under its platform in 2027.
Akinjide did not disclose her next political move in her resignation letter but thanked the PDP for the platform it provided “for political office and engagement” and wished the party continued success.