Oyo State, Nigeria — Mr Kunle Olatunji, a gubernatorial aspirant from Ona Ara Local Government Area in Ibadan, has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Olatunji confirmed the move in a statement to Media Talk Africa on Tuesday evening, stating that he had submitted his resignation letter to the APC leadership and was now fully aligned with the ADP. He described the decision as both difficult and necessary, driven by recent developments within the APC that he said made it increasingly difficult to pursue his political ambitions.
“I am not joining the ADP merely to participate, but with a clear determination to win,” Olatunji said. “Together with other candidates, we are committed to forming a government that truly reflects the aspirations of the people of Oyo State.”
The ADP, a relatively new political party in Nigeria, has been positioning itself as a credible alternative to the dominant parties in the state. Olatunji expressed confidence that with the support of other ADP members, the party could dislodge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming elections.
Olatunji, who has been an active participant in the APC as an emerging leader, said his decision was influenced by the need for a political platform that aligns with his vision for Oyo State. He emphasized that his move to the ADP was strategic, aimed at increasing his chances of success in the 2027 gubernatorial race.
The political landscape in Oyo State has been dynamic, with frequent shifts in party affiliations as politicians seek platforms that best support their ambitions. Olatunji’s defection to the ADP adds another layer to the evolving political dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the race for the governorship intensifies, Olatunji’s move is likely to have ripple effects within both the APC and the broader political arena in Oyo State. His decision underscores the competitive nature of Nigerian politics and the strategic calculations that underpin party affiliations and electoral contests.
