pannigeriannews 
By Sunday Adepoju
The gale of defections sweeping through the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in recent times has once again taken a dramatic turn in Ogbomoso. As the countdown to the 2027 general elections gathers momentum, political alignments and realignments have become not just inevitable, but strategic. As the saying goes in politics, “there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.”
The defection of Hon. Olufemi Oladokun Onireti from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is one development that has stirred intense debate across Ogbomoso North, South, and Oriire Federal Constituency a d even beyond. His move is not in isolation. It follows a wave of earlier defections, including that of the Alleluya Group led by Hon. Adijat Omotayo Aremu, alongside supporters of notable figures like Prof. AbdulRahman Afonja and Hon. Bayo Akinyode, who also embraced the APC’s broom symbol.
In politics, momentum is everything. As famously noted by Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” The APC appears to be building such momentum in Ogbomoso, capitalising on the performance and strategic defections to consolidate its grassroots strength ahead of 2027.
The Onireti factor
The political weight of Onireti’s defection cannot be understated. Having narrowly lost the 2023 House of Representatives election to Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, son of the late political titan, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, Onireti remains a formidable figure. His strong grassroots connection and philanthropic footprint have sustained his relevance beyond electoral cycles to the communities around his jurisdiction.qqq
His recent association with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his son, Seyi, signals not just a shift in party allegiance, but a recalibration of political strategy. Onireti’s move reflects a calculated decision aimed at remaining politically relevant, influential.
Political observers opine that his defection may not necessarily translate into an immediate electoral ambition but rather a broader objective, strengthening the APC’s chances, particularly in securing President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, together with victory for all the candidates of the APC at all levels: State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship alike.
Implications for PDP, APC
For the PDP, Onireti’s exit is yet another blow in a zone where internal cohesion is already under scrutiny. Party fragmentation often weakens electoral chances, and as Barack Obama once remarked, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time.” The PDP may need urgent internal reforms to stem further losses.
Conversely, for the APC, this development is a strategic gain. The appointment of Onireti as Oyo State Director-General of the City Boy Movement, previously held by Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, suggests an internal realignment within the party aimed at harmonizing interests and strengthening unity.
Grassroots shifts and loyalty questions
The ripple effects of Onireti’s move are already visible. Several of his loyalists, including former Student Union Government President at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Comrade Ajibola Areo, and other grassroots political appointees, have resigned their positions to follow him. This stresses a critical political reality: loyalty in politics often follows influence, not just ideology.
However, questions remain about the source of Onireti’s political strength in the past. Critics argue that his 2023 performance was buoyed by the platform of Governor Seyi Makinde. His camp strongly disagrees, insisting his popularity stems from sustained grassroots engagement and philanthropy. As Theodore Roosevelt aptly put it, “The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done.” In this context, Onireti’s ability to attract and retain loyal followers may be his greatest political asset.
What lies ahead?
Whether Onireti will contest again in 2027 remains uncertain. Pundits are divided. Some insist he is positioning for another run, while others argue his focus is party consolidation rather than personal ambition.
Yet, one truth remains clear: “In politics, timing is everything.” Onireti’s defection, coming at this critical juncture, positions him as a key player in shaping the political landscape of Ogbomoso ahead of 2027.
As consultations and strategic meetings intensify within the APC, the coming months will reveal whether this move is a masterstroke or merely another episode in Nigeria’s ever-dynamic political theatre.
For now, as history has often shown, what is only constant in politics is change.
….Adepoju, ex-journalist with Nigerian Tribune, writes from Ogbomoso.
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