More than 100 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Erinmo, Osun State, have defected to the Accord Party, declaring support for Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency.
The defectors announced their decision at a meeting in Erinmo on Saturday, citing their confidence in Olajengbesi’s leadership and fresh ideas, while expressing dissatisfaction with the candidacy of the incumbent federal lawmaker, Hon. Wole Oke.
According to a statement issued by Sodiq Lawal Chocomilo, spokesperson for the Pelumi Olajengbesi Campaign Organisation (POCO), the former APC members said their decision was driven by concerns over the party’s choice of candidate and what they described as a lack of meaningful development in the constituency.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ojo Ajibola said many party members were unhappy with the process through which Oke secured the APC ticket, arguing that loyal members who had worked for the party deserved greater consideration.
Ajibola questioned Oke’s political loyalty, noting that the lawmaker had represented the constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for about 24 years before securing the APC ticket.
“We cannot trust Wole Oke. He used the PDP ticket for 24 years, and now he is using the APC ticket. Tomorrow he will use the ticket for another party. He has no party loyalty. How can such a man represent us faithfully?” Ajibola asked.
He further alleged that dissatisfaction with Oke’s candidacy weakened the APC’s mobilisation efforts in the constituency during the recently concluded Osun governorship election, claiming that some party members were reluctant to work for a candidate they did not trust.
Another defector, Ruth Agbesuyi, criticised Oke’s record in office, questioning the federal projects and legislative achievements he had attracted to the constituency during his years in the House of Representatives.
“For 24 years, Wole Oke dominated this constituency. Where is his legacy project? No bill sponsored, no federal institution, no empowerment that outlives him. We cannot continue with that kind of representation,” Agbesuyi said.
The defectors said their decision to join the Accord Party was informed by their belief that Olajengbesi could offer a different approach to representation, with greater emphasis on youth inclusion, community development and accountability.
Welcoming the new members, Olajengbesi described their decision as a bold step towards what he called purposeful representation, promising to work towards restoring public confidence in the constituency’s leadership.
He said Obokun/Oriade needed a representative who would remain accessible to constituents, listen to their concerns and pursue projects capable of delivering lasting benefits to the people.
“I welcome my brothers and sisters from Erinmo. You have taken a bold decision for the future of our constituency. Together, we will restore trust, bring legacy projects, and give our people quality representation they can be proud of,” Olajengbesi said.
The defection comes as political parties and aspirants begin strengthening their support bases ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the allegations against Oke and the claims about his legislative record were made by the defectors and were not independently verified in the statement.