APC Faces Major Blow as Oyo Leaders Jump Ship to APM

In a striking turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suffered a notable setback as thousands of its Oyo State supporters have migrated to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). The wave of APC Oyo defections, reported by Naija News on September 22, 2026, underscores a growing discontent within the party’s grassroots and hints at a reshaping of the state’s political calculus ahead of upcoming elections.

What sparked the APC Oyo defections?

The defections were led by prominent APC figure Ajiboye Sangogade, popularly known as Boye Nation, who announced his alignment with the APM in a rally that drew thousands of supporters. Observers attribute the shift to a combination of internal party disputes, perceived marginalisation of Oyo members, and the APM’s promise of a more inclusive agenda.

Insiders say that longstanding grievances over candidate selection processes and resource allocation have festered for months. When the APM positioned itself as a fresh alternative, many felt the timing was right to voice their frustration.

Underlying causes of the defections

While the headline event centres on Sangogade’s move, a deeper analysis reveals three inter<related factors:

1. Candidate selection grievances: Oyo delegates have repeatedly complained that primary outcomes are decided by a small cadre of national leaders, leaving little room for local input.
2. Resource distribution: Funding for constituency projects and party activities has been perceived as uneven, with some local councils reporting delays or shortfalls.
3. Ideological positioning: The APM’s platform emphasises participatory governance, youth empowerment, and transparent budgeting, resonating with younger voters who feel the APC has drifted toward elite politics.

These factors combine to create a fertile ground for a mass shift, especially when a charismatic figure publicly endorses the alternative.

Impact on APC’s foothold in Oyo State

Oyo State has traditionally been an APC stronghold, delivering decisive victories in the 2019 and 2023 general elections. However, the recent APC Oyo defections threaten to erode that dominance. Political analysts warn that the loss of grassroots mobilisation could translate into lower voter turnout for the APC in the 2027 gubernatorial race.

Moreover, the APM’s rapid mobilisation of former APC loyalists gives it a ready<made network of volunteers, campaign workers, and local influencers—assets that are crucial in Nigeria’s constituency;driven political environment.

Practical example of grassroots mobilisation

Example: In the Ibadan North East ward, a former APC ward chairman who defected to the APM organised a door;to;door canvassing effort involving 120 volunteers. Within two weeks the team registered 3,500 new voters and distributed APM policy leaflets, illustrating how a single local leader can amplify a party’s reach.

Reactions from party leadership

National APC leaders have responded with a mixture of denial and calls for unity. In a statement released on September 23, 2026, the party’s national chairman urged Oyo members to “re;evaluate their decisions” and reminded them of the party’s achievements at the federal level.

Conversely, the APM’s national secretary hailed the defections as “a testament to the people’s desire for change” and pledged to harness the new members’ experience to strengthen the party’s structure across the Southwest.

Historical context: defections in Nigerian politics

Party switching is not new in Nigeria. Past elections have seen notable figures cross the aisle, often reshaping power dynamics. For instance, the 2015 realignment that saw several high;profile politicians join the APC contributed to its historic victory over the then;ruling PDP. The current wave, however, is distinct because it involves a large base of rank;and;file members rather than just a handful of elites.

Understanding this pattern helps contextualise the potential long;term implications for both parties. While defections can weaken a party’s immediate prospects, they also force internal reforms and recalibration of strategies.

Strategic options for the APC

To stem the tide, the APC is reportedly considering three strategic moves:

• Revisiting primary guidelines: Introducing transparent, locally;driven primary committees to give Oyo members a stronger voice.
• Targeted financial incentives: Allocating additional campaign funds to Oyo constituencies that demonstrate loyalty and voter mobilisation.
• Re;engagement tours: Organising a series of town;hall meetings led by senior national figures to address grievances directly.

Each option carries risks and benefits, and the party’s ability to implement them before the 2027 election calendar closes will be decisive.

APM’s consolidation strategy

The APM is not merely celebrating the defections; it is actively working to integrate the new members into its organisational hierarchy. Key steps include:

1. Creating regional coordination committees that include former APC officials.
2. Launching a mentorship programme pairing seasoned APM activists with recent defectors.
3. Rolling out a policy;feedback platform where grassroots members can submit development proposals for party consideration.

These measures aim to prevent the typical post;defection attrition that has plagued other third;party movements in the past.

What does this mean for upcoming elections?

With the 2027 general elections looming, the APC must quickly address the fallout. Strategies being discussed include revisiting candidate selection processes, increasing financial support for Oyo constituencies, and launching a targeted outreach campaign to win back disillusioned members.

The APM, on the other hand, is likely to capitalise on its momentum by fielding strong local candidates and leveraging the newly acquired grassroots network. If the party can maintain cohesion, it may emerge as a credible third;force contender in Oyo and potentially in other Southwest states.

Broader regional implications

While the immediate focus is on Oyo, the ripple effect could extend to neighbouring states such as Osun, Kwara, and Lagos, where the APC also enjoys substantial support. Political observers in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa note that similar patterns of intra;party dissatisfaction can lead to the rise of new political movements, reshaping the broader African political landscape.

For businesses and investors, political stability remains a key consideration. The uncertainty surrounding party loyalties may affect local investment decisions, especially in sectors reliant on government contracts and infrastructure projects.

Voices from the ground

“We feel ignored by the APC leadership,” said one former party activist from Ibadan, who asked to remain anonymous. “The APM promised us a seat at the table, and that mattered more than party loyalty.”

Another supporter, a small;scale trader, added, “If the APM can bring development to our community, I will stand with them. Politics should serve the people, not the other way round.”

FAQ

• Why are APC members leaving for the APM? Discontent over internal party processes, perceived marginalisation, and the APM’s promise of inclusivity have driven the defections.
• Will the defections affect the 2027 elections? Analysts believe the loss of grassroots support could weaken the APC’s performance in Oyo, while boosting the APM’s chances.
• How many members have defected? Naija News reports that thousands of supporters, led by Ajiboye Sangogade, have officially joined the APM.
• What steps is the APC taking to recover? The party is reviewing primary guidelines, allocating targeted funds, and planning re;engagement tours, though implementation details remain fluid.
• Can the APM sustain its growth? Sustainability will depend on its ability to institutionalise the new members, maintain internal cohesion, and deliver tangible development outcomes.

For a detailed account of the defections, see the original report on Naija News.

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