Former gubernatorial candidate Olalekan Ayorinde has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ayorinde, who contested the 2019 Oyo State governorship election on the platform of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), was received into the APC fold at the party secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan, on Wednesday. The reception was conducted by Moses Adeyemo, the APC chairman in Oyo State, on behalf of the party’s leadership.
The event was attended by several APC leaders, including Azeez Asimolowo Elewure, chairman of the APC in Ibadan North East Local Government, and Chief Morufu Ogboriefon, Ward 2 chairman. Other top party members and chieftains from across the state were also present to welcome Ayorinde into the party.
Hailing from the Ita Baale area of Ibadan North East, Ayorinde emphasized that his decision to join the APC was not motivated by personal political ambition or aspirations for any elective office. Instead, he stated that his move was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ibadan and Oyo State as a whole.
The defection comes at a time when political alignments are shifting in preparation for the next electoral cycle. Ayorinde’s entry into the APC is seen as a boost to the party’s grassroots presence in Ibadan North East, a key local government area in the state.
Political analysts note that Ayorinde’s background and local influence could strengthen the APC’s outreach efforts, particularly in urban communities within Ibadan. His transition from a minor party to one of the leading political parties in Nigeria underscores the dynamic nature of political affiliations in the country.
The APC leadership in Oyo State has welcomed Ayorinde’s decision, describing it as a positive development for the party’s growth and cohesion. Party officials expressed optimism that his experience and commitment to public service would enhance the APC’s capacity to address local challenges and advance developmental initiatives in the state.
As the political atmosphere intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, Ayorinde’s move is likely to be closely watched by political observers and stakeholders across Nigeria’s southwest region.
