Salisu Welcomes Over 300 Defectors to APC in Odeda, Says Movement Signals Growing Confidence in Party

ODEDA— Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (OMOYAYI), representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, has described the defection of over 300 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Odeda Local Government Area as a significant boost to the party’s grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Salisu, who is the APC’s candidate for Ogun Central in the 2027 senatorial election, welcomed the new members on Thursday, October 22, 2026, urging them to work with existing party members to strengthen the APC’s political structures and support its candidates at all levels.

The defectors were led by Hon. Mukaila Arijo and Hon. Sikirulahi Abolade, PDP stalwarts, and Hon. Kashimawo Sabiu, a Labour Party leader. They were joined by other political stakeholders and supporters from the opposition parties in a gathering that combined the reception of defectors, a local government party meeting, the inauguration of campaign council subcommittee chairmen, and a declaration of support for the APC’s five candidates.

Prominent APC leaders at the event included the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; Odeda APC Chairman, Hon. Musulumi Saka; and Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr Folasade Adeyemo, alongside other notable leaders.

Speaking at the gathering, Salisu said the growing participation of new members presented an opportunity to deepen the party’s grassroots reach and consolidate its political base across Odeda and Ogun Central.

He called on party members to translate the development into sustained engagement with residents, emphasising that effective mobilisation, unity, and the communication of government achievements would be crucial to the APC’s performance in 2027.

“I warmly welcome our brothers and sisters who have decided to join the APC. Our party is strengthened when people come together around a common commitment to progress, development, and effective leadership. We must make every new member feel valued and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute to our shared aspirations,” Salisu said.

He urged the defectors to work harmoniously with the existing party structure, abide by the APC’s constitution, and participate actively in mobilising support across wards and communities.

Among those listed as joining the APC were Mr Rafiu Olatunji, Mrs Anipupo Oluwakemi, Mrs Anifat Aremu, Mrs Olonade Ikufoye, Mrs Funke Bolarin, Kehinde Muraina, Alhaji Salaudeen Nuru, Mrs Fatoki Taiwo, Otunba Ogunsiji Kazeem, and Shofoluwe Omotayo, among others.

The senator used the occasion to rally party faithful behind the APC’s five candidates, stressing the need for coordinated mobilisation across the presidential, governorship, senatorial, federal constituency, and state constituency elections.

The candidates are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeking re-election; Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), the APC’s governorship candidate in Ogun State; Salisu, seeking another term in the Senate; Hon. Olumide Osoba, candidate for Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency; and Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, seeking re-election to represent Odeda State Constituency.

Although Tinubu, Adeola, and Osoba were not physically present at the event, Salisu conveyed their messages and called on party members to work collectively for the success of all five candidates.

He also urged APC supporters to communicate the achievements of the party-led federal government to residents, citing infrastructure development across the South-West, including the Ibadan–Abeokuta Road, as part of the administration’s development agenda.

According to him, grassroots engagement must go beyond campaign activities to include meaningful interaction with residents, listening to their concerns, and explaining the policies and programmes of the government.

Sanyaolu Inaugurates Campaign Council Subcommittees

The event also featured the inauguration of the subcommittee chairmen of the Odeda Local Government Campaign Council by Apostle Abiodun Sanyaolu, who represented the Director-General of the Presidential and Ogun State Campaign Council.

Sanyaolu charged the appointees to demonstrate discipline, commitment, and effective leadership, noting that the success of the campaign would depend on their ability to coordinate activities and mobilise support at the grassroots.

“The inauguration of these subcommittee chairmen marks an important step in strengthening our campaign structure in Odeda. Each person appointed has a responsibility to deliver on the mandate entrusted to them. We must work as a united team, remain committed to the party’s objectives, and ensure effective grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

He urged the committees to maintain close working relationships with party executives, campaign council leaders, and grassroots stakeholders to ensure that mobilisation efforts were coordinated across the local government.

Adeyemo, Saka Call for Unity and Inclusion

In her remarks, Adeyemo urged the newly inaugurated subcommittee chairmen to regard their appointments as a call to service and discharge their responsibilities with dedication, cooperation, and accountability.

She stressed the importance of effective communication among the committees and warned against internal divisions that could undermine the party’s preparations for the elections.

“This responsibility requires commitment, unity, and a clear understanding of the tasks assigned to each committee. I urge all the subcommittee chairmen to work together, maintain effective communication, and demonstrate the dedication required to achieve our collective objectives ahead of the 2027 elections,” Adeyemo said.

Similarly, Saka welcomed the defectors and urged them to familiarise themselves with the party’s constitution, principles, and rules. He assured them of equal opportunities and fair treatment, calling on old and new members to work together towards a stronger APC in Odeda.

Elemide also commended the new members for joining the party, encouraging them to integrate into its existing structures and contribute to its political growth.

Labour Party leader Hon. Sunday Bitrus equally expressed readiness to work with the APC leadership and mobilise supporters for the party’s candidates. Representatives of the ADC and its youth wing also pledged their commitment to the party’s activities.

The gathering ended with renewed calls for unity, stronger grassroots engagement, and coordinated mobilisation as the APC intensifies its preparations for the 2027 general elections.

For Salisu, the reception of the new members and inauguration of the campaign council committees underscored the importance of building an inclusive party structure capable of connecting with voters and sustaining political engagement across Ogun Central.

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