Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, former governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and a former deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with several key figures and thousands of supporters.

Also joining the ruling party were the immediate past chairman of the PDP in the state, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele; the member representing Abeokuta South State Constituency 1, Hon. Luqmon Atobatele; a former member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Idowu Olowofuja; ex-chairman of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Rotimi Rahaman; Dr Mojeed Ekelojumati, and other prominent figures from across the state’s 236 wards.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who received the defectors, assured them of their full reintegration into the APC. He promised they would be granted all due rights and privileges within the party.

“You are welcome home. I want to assure you that we will treat you with the respect and recognition you rightfully deserve,” the governor stated.

He described the PDP as a party in decline, referencing a wave of defections across the country. He said he was pleased to see Akinlade and others return to the APC fold.

“We are delighted to receive our brothers back. These are not just any individuals, they include a former House of Representatives member, a former governorship candidate who contested against me and came second, a serving House of Assembly member, a deputy minority leader, a former local government chairman, a former commissioner, and a former ALGON chairman. The list goes on. This is a significant day for our party,” he remarked.

Governor Abiodun encouraged the APC’s state working committee and ward members to cooperate fully with the new entrants.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Akinlade said they had returned to the APC to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ogun State and the country at large. He said their return was not symbolic, but a structured reintegration that began at the ward level.

“This is not just a declaration, it is a movement. We’ve gone back to our wards and formally rejoined the party. We didn’t come from the top down, we joined from the grassroots because we are experienced politicians,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for the manner in which they had been welcomed.

“What I have seen over the last few months is the dignity and grace with which the governor has received us. It takes a big heart to show such generosity in victory.

“We have not left anyone behind. We’ve returned home as one. We believe in the governor’s leadership and in the leadership of our party at both state and national levels. We are here to commit our full loyalty and support,” Akinlade added.

Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele said the move would significantly strengthen the APC’s position in Ogun, noting that it was the result of careful consideration and reflection on the ongoing achievements of Governor Abiodun and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“What we are witnessing today is both a testimony and a historic moment. We, the most responsible members of the PDP and APM from across all 236 wards in Ogun, have moved to the APC,” he declared.

Hon. Luqmon Atobatele commended Governor Abiodun’s leadership approach, describing it as inclusive and people-centred.

“If you don’t know Governor Dapo Abiodun well, you should make an effort to. As a House of Assembly member, I can say without hesitation that he has done what no other governor has ever done for individual lawmakers, especially those from opposition parties.

“In February, when 40 medical doctors arrived from the United States for a mission, I wrote to the governor. He provided 40 hotel rooms, vehicles, and full security, despite my being from another party. That level of support is unheard of,” Atobatele said.

The defection marks a major political shift in Ogun State as the APC consolidates power ahead of future electoral contests.