The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has vehemently refuted claims that scores of its members defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), branding the alleged defection as a “fake show of strength” orchestrated by a “desperate” APC House of Representatives aspirant for Egbeda/Ona-Ara federal constituency, Akinola Akinjide.
According to a statement released by Acting Publicity Secretary Hon. Michael Ogunsina, the PDP dismissed Akinjide’s declaration event as a charade, alleging that the crowd was comprised largely of “hired and impoverished APC loyalists, lured by promises of cash.”
The PDP insisted no registered or active PDP ward leader or stakeholder from Egbeda or Ona Ara was present at the event.
Ogunsina stated that Akinjide, whom he described as having “a history of party-jumping,” is attempting to “stage a fake show of strength to save face after realizing he stands no chance of clinching the APC ticket in 2027.”
The PDP further alleged that Akinjide had previously made “several failed attempts to infiltrate the PDP through the backdoor.”
The PDP in the state emphasised that its own monthly general meeting, held at the same location earlier that day, was “well-attended” and included high-ranking party leaders such as State Secretary Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke.
Adeleke, according to the statement, reaffirmed that “the PDP will not join any coalition and remains the strongest and most organised party in the state.”
The statement read: Our attention has been drawn to a news credited to Akinola Akinjide, APC House of Representatives aspirant in Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency suggesting that “scores of PDP members defected to APC in Oyo.” The sponsored news is not only false but a deliberate attempt to twist facts and confuse the public, especially as the 2027 political season begins to gain momentum.:
“What truly transpired on that day is well known to all present in Ona Ara Local Government. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP),Ona Ara Local Government, held its well-attended monthly general meeting at the designated venue. Coincidentally, the APC Egbeda/Ona Ara group, led by a desperate aspirant with a history of party-jumping , also converged around the same axis in a show of desperation aimed at hoodwinking the public and misleading the media.”
“This individual, who has in private made several failed attempts to infiltrate the PDP through the backdoor, is now trying to stage a fake show of strength to save face after realizing he stands no chance of clinching the APC ticket, given the position is currently held by another APC member.”
“Let it be clear: The crowd gathered around him were largely hired and impoverished APC loyalists, lured by promises of cash.”
“No registered or active PDP ward leader or stakeholder from Egbeda or Ona Ara was among those seen in the photo circulated.”
“The aspirant in question is simply chasing clout, knowing he has no real political base or grassroots support. Rather than reacting to imaginary defections, the PDP remains focused and united.”
“Our meeting, held at the same venue earlier in the day, witnessed the presence of high-ranking party leaders and delegates, including the State Secretary of PDP, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, who reaffirmed that the PDP will not join any coalition and remains the strongest and most organized party in the state.”
The Oyo PDP, however, urged the public to disregard what it calls “propaganda aimed at sowing confusion,” and reiterated its commitment to reclaiming more victories in 2027.
