The wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections gathered momentum in Oyo State on Monday as another close political associate of Governor Seyi Makinde, Hon. Yomi Olajide, popularly known as Ore Gomina of Royal Umbrella political group, announced his decision to leave the governor’s political camp for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Olajide’s declaration came barely weeks after Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, a long-time political ally of Governor Makinde and Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), publicly distanced himself from the governor’s political structure, fuelling fresh speculation over widening cracks within Makinde’s camp.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Olajide apologised for failing to answer numerous calls and messages following his earlier announcement that he was leaving the Makinde camp, explaining that he had switched off his phone because of the overwhelming reactions.
The veteran politician, who said he has spent about four decades in active politics, maintained that his latest decision was taken after careful consideration.
“I am a matured politician that knows what is right for me at the right time as I have spent 40 years in politics,” he wrote.
Bringing an end to speculation over his next political destination, Olajide declared that he would officially join the APC in the coming days, describing the move as an exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of association.
“Without wasting time and putting my followers and supporters in suspense, I want to inform members of the public that my new political destination in a few days to come is APC,” he stated, adding that politicians, regardless of party affiliation, are united by the desire to serve the people.
Olajide also openly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, praying for the President’s success beyond 2027, while throwing his weight behind the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, expressing confidence that he would emerge victorious at the next governorship election.
The latest development is expected to further heighten political calculations in the state, where permutations ahead of the 2027 polls have continued to gather pace.
Beyond Arapaja and Olajide, Oyo politics has witnessed several high-profile cross-party movements in recent time.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Olajide apologised for failing to answer numerous calls and messages following his earlier announcement that he was leaving the Makinde camp, explaining that he had switched off his phone because of the overwhelming reactions.
The veteran politician, who said he has spent about four decades in active politics, maintained that his latest decision was taken after careful consideration.
“I am a matured politician that knows what is right for me at the right time as I have spent 40 years in politics,” he wrote.
Bringing an end to speculation over his next political destination, Olajide declared that he would officially join the APC in the coming days, describing the move as an exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of association.
“Without wasting time and putting my followers and supporters in suspense, I want to inform members of the public that my new political destination in a few days to come is APC,” he stated, adding that politicians, regardless of party affiliation, are united by the desire to serve the people.
Olajide also openly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, praying for the President’s success beyond 2027, while throwing his weight behind the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, expressing confidence that he would emerge victorious at the next governorship election.
The latest development is expected to further heighten political calculations in the state, where permutations ahead of the 2027 polls have continued to gather pace.
Beyond Arapaja and Olajide, Oyo politics has witnessed several high-profile cross-party movements in recent time.
Former Accord Party senatorial aspirant Hon. Adekola Yusuf Olatunde and other members dumped APC to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Although neither Governor Makinde’s camp nor the Oyo APM had officially responded to Olajide’s announcement as of the time of filing this report, political observers believe the defection, coming on the heels of Arapaja’s exit from the governor’s political fold, could signal the beginning of more political realignments as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
With both the APC and APM expected to step up consultations in the coming weeks, analysts say the significance of Olajide’s move lies not only in his personal decision but also in the growing perception that the political landscape in the state is entering another phase of strategic repositioning ahead of the battle for Agodi Government House.
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