The political landscape in Osun State has experienced a fresh wave of realignment as dozens of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ayedire Local Government officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday.
The defectors also declared allegiance to the Omoluabi Progressives, a key political movement within the state.
Led by Otunba Architect Tunji Ogunrinu, former Vice Chairman of Ayedire Local Council Development Area under the PDP, the group was received at the Oranmiyan House in Osogbo, the operational base of the Omoluabi Progressives.
The development is the latest in a growing trend of high-profile defections to the ADC, reinforcing the party’s expanding grassroots presence and its emerging relevance ahead of upcoming elections.
Addressing the gathering, Otunba Ogunrinu described the decision to exit the PDP as painful but necessary, citing poor internal management, lack of inclusiveness, and failure to reward loyalty within the ruling party as key reasons.
Alhaji Hon. Abdulganiyu Akeem, a former councillor of Ward 3, Ileogbo, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, said the people of Osun are yearning for genuine governance. “It is time to stop suffering in silence. We are here to arise and shine under a platform that values its members,” he said.
He also urged ADC leaders to ensure that youth voices are heard and prioritized in the political arrangements moving forward.
Several other grassroots leaders echoed similar sentiments. The Chairman of Idi Ogun Unit in Ileogbo 2 lamented what he described as entrenched favoritism within the PDP, which he said has alienated dedicated ward-level party members.
Prince Adetunji, popularly known as COSMO, criticized the PDP’s leadership in Ward 9, Kuta, for sidelining loyal mobilizers. “PDP is dead in Ayedire,” he declared, expressing confidence in the ADC’s leadership and vision.
Comrade Agbabiaka from Olupona and Toyosi from Kuta also announced their decision to dump the PDP, citing their admiration for the leadership style and legacy of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, which they believe is reflected in ADC’s approach to politics.
Party agents who worked for the PDP during the last gubernatorial election also voiced their displeasure, lamenting that their efforts were neither acknowledged nor rewarded by the current administration.
The defection event was anchored by Hon. Gbenga Ogunkanmi, a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, who described the defectors as “seasoned mobilizers” capable of boosting the strength of ADC in Ayedire and beyond.
According to Ogunkanmi, their exit from PDP is a clear signal of the growing discontent with the ruling party and a sign of ADC’s rising momentum as a credible alternative.
Welcoming the new members, Alhaji Issa Adesiji Azeez, Chairman of the Omoluabi Progressives, praised their bold decision and assured them of full integration into the ADC structure. He emphasized the group’s commitment to inclusive politics and people-focused governance.
“Politics should be about service and inclusion, not exclusion and neglect,” he said. Azeez also urged all party members to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing that voter power remains the most effective tool for real political change.
The defection marks a major boost for the ADC in Ayedire Local Government and surrounding communities where the PDP had previously enjoyed significant influence. With new waves of support, the ADC appears poised to challenge the status quo in the lead-up to future elections.
