‘Oyo Must Sustain Its Development Trajectory, Not Return to Retrogression’

IBADAN.

The Founder of Moshood Ajadi Foundation, Amb. Dr. Otunba Moshood Ismail Abioye, has described the movement of APC members and other political decampees into the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) as, in his view, a reflection of growing confidence in Governor Seyi Makinde and the party’s candidates and continuity of growth and development.

The statement follows Monday’s political gathering at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, where thousands of supporters led by Ajiboye Sangogade, popularly known as Boye Nation, formally joined the APM. Reports from Punch, Vanguard and Channels Television confirmed the reception of the defectors, who were drawn from several local government areas across Oyo State.

Abioye said the development should encourage youths, party faithful and new members of the movement to remain peaceful, disciplined and organised as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Yesterday’s movement of APC members and other decampees into the APM is, to me, a reflection of confidence in Governor Seyi Makinde and the APM candidates and the choice that people want the development and growth in oyo to continue and spread across the nation. It is now important for our youths, party faithful and new members to maintain orderliness, remain united and continue to mobilise peacefully.”

He urged supporters across the state to “troop out en masse” during legitimate political activities, stressing that political participation should be conducted with respect for the law, fellow citizens and democratic principles.

‘Continuity of Progress Must Continue’

According to Amb. Abioye, the political conversation in Oyo State should focus on the direction of governance and development, with citizens deciding which policies and candidates best represent their interests.

“The continuity of progress must continue in Oyo State. We must not allow the state to retrogress. Our youths must understand that their participation matters, and our mobilisation must be peaceful, organised and issue-driven.”

He also called on decampees joining the APM to work together with existing members, saying that unity and grassroots organisation would be important as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.

The latest defection took place at an event where Governor Makinde formally received the APC defectors into the APM and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects.

Abioye further appealed to supporters to avoid confrontation and provocation, saying political differences should not translate into violence or disorder.

“Let our numbers be demonstrated through peaceful participation, organisation and responsible engagement. We are building a political movement, and that movement must reflect discipline, unity and respect for the people of Oyo State.”

Amb. Dr. Otunba Moshood Ismail Abioye is the Founder of Moshood Ajadi Foundation and Mosh EstrellaInstitute.