Oke-Ogun ex-councillors reaffirm support for Makinde, Adekanmbi, Peller, other APM candidates

A coalition of former local government councillors from the Oke-Ogun region of Oyo State has reaffirmed its support for Governor Seyi Makinde, the presidential standard-bearer of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM); the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi; Oyo North senatorial candidate, Hon. Shina Peller, and other APM candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The reaffirmation took place on Thursday during a strategic meeting at the Iseyin residence of the Ayedero of Yorubaland, Hon. Shina Peller.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders and grassroots representatives who served as councillors between 2021 and 2024. A total of 65 out of the 105 former councillors across the region attended the gathering to clarify their position amid reports of a mass defection from the APM to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Setting the tone for the endorsement, Hon. Salau Nurudeen Alowonle, who represented Ward 10, Owode Ipapo, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, addressed reports that the entire group had defected to the APC.

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Describing the claim as false, Alowonle said 65 of the former councillors remained committed to the APM and continued to support Governor Makinde.

He stressed that the minority group of 35 former councillors did not represent the position of the majority in Oke-Ogun.

Similarly, Hon. Abiola Khaleed Olaosepin, a former Chief Whip, dismissed the defection report as propaganda.

He reaffirmed the coalition’s support for Makinde, Adekanmbi, Peller and other APM candidates, adding that the group was prepared to deploy its political structures and grassroots networks to secure victory for the party in the 2027 elections.

Another stakeholder, Hon. Oyewola Kemi, urged party members to disregard what he described as opposition attempts to create confusion, saying the mobilisation of the 65 former councillors represented a strong bloc capable of contributing to the electoral success of APM candidates.

Responding to the show of support, Peller thanked the former councillors for their loyalty and for publicly reaffirming their commitment to Makinde, Adekanmbi, himself and other APM candidates.

He said their dedication was important to promoting development in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State and Nigeria.

Addressing political opponents, Peller criticised the APC, describing it as a party disconnected from the realities and aspirations of Nigerians and arguing that it had little tangible to offer the people.

He also described the defection of the 35 former councillors as a blessing in disguise, maintaining that the 65 who remained with the APM demonstrated the strength of the party’s support base.

Peller said the APM was positioning itself as a platform for public service and a political alternative aimed at rescuing Nigeria.

The meeting ended with a collective vote of confidence in Makinde’s leadership and the APM’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.