ABUJA, Nigeria — Six members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), in a move analysts say strengthens Governor Seyi Makinde’s growing influence within the new political platform.
The defections were announced on Tuesday during plenary, when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read letters from the lawmakers notifying the chamber of their decision to switch parties. The development is seen as part of a broader realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Makinde’s allies positioning themselves to consolidate power in Oyo State under APM.
Defections are a recurring feature of Nigeria’s political landscape. Since the return to democracy in 1999, lawmakers have frequently switched parties, often citing internal divisions, leadership disputes, or strategic calculations. The PDP, once Nigeria’s dominant party, has faced mounting internal crises in recent years, while smaller parties like APM have sought to capitalize on discontent to expand their base.
Political analysts say Makinde’s influence is central to the defections. As governor of Oyo State, he has emerged as a key player in southwest politics, often clashing with PDP leadership over strategy and direction. His allies’ move to APM is widely interpreted as an attempt to build a new power bloc ahead of 2027.
Reactions were swift across social media. Supporters of Makinde celebrated the defections as proof of his political clout, with hashtags like #MakindeInfluence and #APMDefection trending on X (formerly Twitter). One user wrote: “Makinde is building something big with APM.” Another posted: “Politicians keep switching sides for survival, not service.”
Stakeholders in Oyo politics expressed mixed views. Some policy makers welcomed the defections as a chance to strengthen opposition voices outside the PDP, while others warned that constant party-switching erodes public trust. Civil society groups urged lawmakers to prioritize governance over political maneuvering, warning that defections often distract from pressing issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and education.
The defections underscore the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political system, where alliances shift rapidly and party loyalty is often secondary to electoral strategy. With the 2027 elections looming, observers say more realignments are likely as politicians position themselves for influence in the next cycle.
