Hallelujah Group, ex-Makinde’s Commissioner, Rainbow, Akinyode, others lead thousands of supporters to APC in Ogbomoso
pannigeriannews
4 min read
In a major political realignment ahead of future elections, several leaders and thousands of supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogbomoso.
The decampees, drawn from different blocs including the Hallelujah Group, loyalists of former Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Prof. Raphael Afonja, the Rainbow Group, and prominent chieftain, Hon. Bayo Akinyode, were formally received at a colourful event held at the APC Secretariat in Apake area of the city.
Born in Minna, Niger State, Hon. Akinyode hails from Asipa Compound in Osupa Ward of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area.
Hon. Akinyode’s political journey spans nearly 20 years in the PDP, during which he played key roles at both state and national campaign levels, though in Niger State.
He served as campaign consultant to former Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu during the 2007 and 2011 elections, and also worked as Personal Assistant to Hon. Umar Nasko, who served as Commissioner and Chief of Staff to the Niger State Governor between 2007 and 2015.
He later headed campaign logistics for the PDP governorship candidate in Niger State during the 2019 general elections.
In 2021, Akinyode formally transferred his membership to Ogbomoso North in a well-attended public ceremony.
Beyond politics, Hon. Akinyode is a businessman, project manager and marketing communications practitioner.
He is the Managing Partner of Global Brand Resources Ltd, a firm with offices in Abuja and Lagos, specialising in construction, supply chains and integrated marketing communications.
At the APC Secretariat in Ogbomoso, the reception ceremony attracted notable party figures such as Senator Fatai Buhari (represented by Alhaji Yekeen Woleola); Senator Brimoh Yemi Yusuf (represented by Hon. Wale Adeleke, former chairman of Ogbomoso South LGA); Sen. Amzat Ayoade Adeseun, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gunju Ojo; Hon. Ademola Olateju, former House of Assembly member; and Hon. Remi Odetomi, a former local government chairman and commissioner in Oyo State.
Other leaders present were Hon. Jacob Bamigboye, former lawmaker; Hon. Biodun Alade, ex-chairman of Ogbomoso North LGA; Barr. Dapo Atanda; Hon. Tunde Oloyede; Agba Demo; and Hon. Wasiu Olukan, Prince Abass Bello Baiyewuwon, among several others.
Among the decampees were Prof. Afonja; former Vice Chairman of Ogbomoso and political head of Ogbonoso Central,m LCDA, Hon. Bayo Akinyode from Osupa Ward; Hon. Jide Akalaifa from Masifa Ward, Ogbomoso North; Hon. Bright Oyekan from Oriire LGA; Hon. Kehinde Olapade from OSLGA; Alhaji Gidado Alabi, former party chairman of the PDP in Oríire LG; Hon. Towobola Ayanpeju, former Supervisory Councillor; Alhaja Alabi, Women Leader; Saraki groups; Mr. Mathew Ogunlaran, alongside thousands of their supporters.
Hon. Adijat Aremu said the decision to join the APC was borne out of the need for “a more organised, inclusive and progressive political environment” where party members are valued and allowed to grow.
She commended the APC leadership for opening its doors and urged the party to continue strengthening internal democracy, unity and fairness.
“We are here wholeheartedly committed to the success of the APC at all levels. We believe this is the right place where our political interests and those of our people can be better protected,” she said.
Hon. Akinyode, who had served in various roles in Niger State for about 20 years before joining the politics of his homoe town about 5 years ago, also declared his commitment to ensuring the success of the APC.
“We see the need to ensure the victory of the APC as a top priority and vow to that. First thing first. We must first ensure the success of the party during the coming general elections,” Hon. Akinyode stated.
APC leaders, in their separate remarks, welcomed the decampees and assured them of full integration into the party, emphasising that the mass defection signified a growing confidence in the APC’s political direction in Ogbomoso and Oyo State.
According to Hon. Remi Odetomi, the new member came at a very timely period, noting that the contributions of all the members of the party will determine the benefits after winning the 2027 general elections.
He said, “If you heard all what our decampees of today had said, yiu would see that they understand perfectly well. Nobody will be cheated. Your coming is very timely in the sense that registration will soon start. All of us will start afresh.
“So, everybody will go ward level to work. Everybody will mobilise their soldiers. There will be massive opportunities if we win the coming elections. Let me tell you categorically that Sen. Hosea Ayoola Agboola Halelujah quite understands the nitti-gritty of this game. He was Commisioner for Local Government and Chieftai ncy Matters during Alao-Akala’s tenure as Governor. Were local governments functioning like what we currently have?”
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