Makinde Breaks Silence on Emergency Meetings Amid APC Defections

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has dismissed reports that he convened emergency meetings with members of his cabinet and political associates over the recent defection of prominent members of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor, through his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, described the reports as false and accused the opposition APC of attempting to create the impression of a political crisis within his camp ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The denial comes amid a series of political developments in Oyo State, including the departure of several prominent politicians, former government officials and grassroots political figures who previously identified with the governor’s political structure.

The latest wave of defections has particularly affected Ogbomoso Zone, where several political stakeholders from different local government areas recently announced their decision to join the APC.

However, Makinde’s media aide insisted that the governor was not unsettled by the movements and had not organised any emergency gathering to address the situation.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday, Olarenwaju accused the APC of using the defections to promote what he described as a misleading narrative about the strength of the governor’s political movement.

He said, “The latest desperate attempt by the APC propaganda machinery to manufacture a crisis around Governor Makinde’s political movement has exposed the opposition’s growing frustration with a governor whose popularity remains strong and whose record of performance continues to resonate across the state.

“The report alleging panic meetings, mass disaffection and a crumbling political structure is not only false; it is a calculated mix of distortions, half-truths and outright fabrications aimed at creating a crisis where none exists.”

Among the politicians who recently moved to the APC are Segun Ogunwuyi, a former Chief of Staff to Makinde; Rasak Gbadegesin, popularly known as Agbeti, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala; Timothy Oyeniyi; Alabi Olateju; Isaiah Adegbite; and Peter Oyetunji.

Jimoh Sikiru, who previously served as the APM chairman in Ogbomoso North, was also listed among the defectors.

The politicians reportedly came from Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Areas.

Beyond the recent defections, Makinde’s administration has also witnessed the resignation of some government officials.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ayobami Ojo, and the ministry’s Special Adviser, Simeon Oyeleke, left their positions with effect from November 2, 2026.

While Ojo did not publicly explain his decision, Oyeleke attributed his departure to dissatisfaction with the working environment.

He reportedly said the circumstances surrounding his position had made it difficult for him to represent the interests and aspirations of his people while remaining in government.

Sunday Falana also resigned from the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission. He thanked Makinde for the opportunity to serve but did not disclose the reason behind his decision.

Another notable departure was that of Tara Adefope, Director-General of the Due Process Office, who also resigned from the administration.

Other political figures who have separated from the governor’s camp include former Senate Chief Whip and former Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Hosea Agboola, popularly known as Alleluyah.

Former Deputy Governor and Ambassador, Taofeek Arapaja, and Bisi Olopoeniyan have also been mentioned among those who have left the governor’s political circle.

The list further includes Babatunde Oduyoye, who previously served as Makinde’s Political Adviser, and Fatai Owoseni, a former Special Adviser on Security.

Reports surrounding the defections had also suggested that disagreements over the emergence of Adekanmbi as the APM governorship candidate contributed to the growing dissatisfaction among some members of the political camp.

According to the reports, concerns had been raised about the possibility of additional defections and the implications for the party’s chances in the next governorship election.

However, Olarenwaju maintained that Makinde’s administration operated an open-door policy and that the governor regularly engaged political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.

He argued that such consultations were part of the governor’s leadership approach and should not be interpreted as emergency meetings triggered by defections.

The media aide also dismissed suggestions that the departure of some politicians represented a collapse of the APM’s political structure.

He said, “It is equally important to note that no political party in a democracy is immune to movements of individuals from one platform to another. Politics is dynamic, and people make choices based on personal ambitions, interests and convictions.

“The APC’s attempt to sensationalise routine political movements only exposes its desperation to create a false narrative of momentum where none exists.

“What APC propagandists deliberately failed to acknowledge is the fact that political movements are not one-directional.

“While a few individuals have chosen to pursue other political paths, many more leaders, stakeholders, professionals, youths and grassroots supporters continue to identify with and join the APM because they can see and feel the impact of Governor Makinde’s people-centred policies and developmental agenda.

“Indeed, for every individual who has chosen to leave the party or the administration, many more continue to identify with and join the APM across the state. The strength of a political movement is not measured by the noise surrounding isolated defections but by the confidence it continues to inspire among the people.

“By every reasonable measure, the Makinde political family remains vibrant, united and firmly connected to the aspirations of the people of the state.”

Olarenwaju further maintained that residents across Oyo State remained supportive of Makinde and candidates under the APM platform.

He attributed the administration’s continued political support to its policies and projects across different sectors of the state.

He specifically mentioned infrastructure development, education, healthcare delivery, agribusiness, workers’ welfare, security and economic growth as areas where the government had recorded progress.

According to him, the administration’s performance remained visible through projects and policies that directly affected residents.

He said, “Under Makinde’s leadership, workers’ salaries are paid promptly, pension obligations are being addressed, strategic road projects are being executed across all geopolitical zones, healthcare infrastructure is being strengthened, and investments continue to flow into Oyo.

“These are tangible achievements that the people can see and verify for themselves. They are not products of propaganda.”

The governor has yet to personally issue a detailed public response to the individual defections mentioned in the reports.

Recall that POLITICS NIGERIA had earlier reported the defection of several prominent political figures from the APM to the APC, particularly in Ogbomoso Zone, amid preparations for the 2027 governorship election.

The report also highlighted the political implications of the departures and the growing attention surrounding the choice of the APM’s governorship candidate.