The political landscape of Akinyele Local Government witnessed another significant realignment Tuesday as prominent leaders and executives of the Accord Party, alongside their supporters, formally joined the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The decampees paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye, at his office at the Local Government Secretariat, Moniya, Ibadan, in what underscored the growing political movement around the APM in the local government.
Their defection added another layer to the unfolding political developments ahead of the forthcoming elections, as political actors continue to make strategic choices about the platforms through which they intend to pursue their aspirations.
Receiving the decampees, Hon Akinwole Akinleye welcomed them warmly into what he described as the “great party” and assured them of a positive experience within the APM family. The former Accord leaders, while recounting their experiences in their former party, expressed appreciation to God, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the Akinyele Council Chairman for the new political direction. They declared that their decision was not merely about changing party membership, but about joining forces with others to work for the success of the APM and its candidates.
They specifically expressed support for the gubernatorial candidacy of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, and other APM Candidates describing their candidacy, in their own words, as the choice they believe Oyo State deserves, while pledging their cooperation, support and commitment to the party’s success in the coming elections and beyond.
The political significance of the visit was further highlighted by the Chairman’s gesture immediately after the meeting, when Hon. Akinwole Akinleye presented the decampees with an electric bike. The gesture was received with appreciation by the delegation, with the Akinyele Local Government Accord Party Woman Leader, Mrs. Ajibola Aminat, speaking on behalf of the decampees. She thanked the Executive Chairman for the gift and reaffirmed their determination to support the APM and remain committed to the political movement they have now joined. The interaction further reflected the emphasis being placed on grassroots engagement, political inclusion and relationship-building as the APM continues to consolidate its presence across Akinyele Local Government.
The meeting was attended by key members of the former Accord structure, including Mrs. Ajibola Aminat, Accord Party Local Woman Leader, Mr Adewale Olatoye, Accord party Financial Secretary, Mr Amidu Folorunsho, Accord party Chairman, Ward 8; Mr Festus Oyetade, Accord party LG Secretary, Mr Sikiru ademola ariyo Accord party Local vice chairman Mr Ajadi Olalere,Accord party Leader; amongst others.
With the decampees formally declaring their new political allegiance and promising to mobilise for the party and its candidates, the development represents another notable chapter in Akinyele’s evolving political landscape, as the APM continues to build its structures, broaden its grassroots network and strengthen its engagement with political stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming elections.
