Over 100 APC Members Defect to Accord in Erinmo, Back Olajengbesi

 

Over 100 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Erinmo, Osun State, have defected to the Accord Party, declaring their support for Pelumi Olajengbesi ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election in the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency.

The defectors announced their decision at a meeting held in Erinmo on Saturday, October 17, 2026, citing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the APC in the constituency and expressing confidence in Olajengbesi’s leadership capacity and proposed approach to representation.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ojo Ajibola said their decision was influenced by grievances over the emergence of Hon. Wole Oke as the APC’s candidate for the House of Representatives seat.

Ajibola faulted the decision to give Oke the party’s ticket, arguing that it had overlooked loyal party members who had worked to strengthen the APC in the constituency.

According to him, Oke’s political history, including his years of representation under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had raised concerns among some APC members about his commitment to the party.

“We cannot trust Wole Oke. He used the PDP ticket for 24 years, and now he is using the APC ticket. Tomorrow, he will use the ticket for another party. He has no party loyalty. How can such a man represent us faithfully?” Ajibola asked.

He further alleged that dissatisfaction with Oke’s candidacy had affected the willingness of some party members to mobilise support for the APC during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.

The defectors also questioned Oke’s legislative record, arguing that his years in the National Assembly had not translated into sufficient visible benefits for the people of Obokun and Oriade.

Another defector, Ruth Agbesuyi, criticised what she described as the absence of significant legacy projects and legislative achievements commensurate with Oke’s years in office.

“For 24 years, Wole Oke dominated this constituency. Where is his legacy project? No bill sponsored, no federal institution, no empowerment that outlives him. We cannot continue with that kind of representation,” Agbesuyi said.

The allegations against Oke were made by the defectors and could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.

The defectors said their decision to join the Accord Party was driven by their belief that Olajengbesi offered an alternative focused on purposeful representation, youth inclusion and community development.

Welcoming the new members, Olajengbesi described their decision as a significant step towards what he called a new direction for political leadership in Obokun/Oriade.

He said the constituency needed a representative who would remain accessible to constituents, promote development and be accountable to the people.

“I welcome my brothers and sisters from Erinmo. You have taken a bold decision for the future of our constituency. Together, we will restore trust, bring legacy projects, and give our people quality representation they can be proud of,” Olajengbesi said.

The defection comes amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and aspirants seeking to consolidate support across communities in Osun State.