APC Gains as Ex-Governor Segun Oni Defects from SDP

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Olusegun Oni, has formally defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a notable development in the state’s political landscape. Oni completed his registration into the APC at his country home in Ifaki Ekiti, an event party leaders have described as a significant boost to the party’s ongoing electronic registration drive. The defection adds a prominent political figure to the APC fold as preparations intensify ahead of forthcoming elections in Ekiti State.

Defection and Registration at Ifaki Ekiti

The disclosure of Oni’s defection was made on Monday in Ado Ekiti by the Coordinator of the APC e-registration exercise in the state, Adesola Adedayo. Adedayo, who also serves as the Commissioner for Youth Development, confirmed that the former governor officially joined the party on Sunday through the ongoing digital registration platform.

According to Adedayo, Oni’s participation in the e-registration exercise underscores the APC’s commitment to strengthening its internal structures through technology-driven membership documentation. He noted that the former governor’s entry into the party had already generated positive momentum for the registration programme, particularly among grassroots supporters.

Oni served as governor of Ekiti State between 2007 and 2010 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later emerged as the SDP governorship candidate in the 2022 election. His return to the APC places him within what party officials describe as Ekiti’s broader progressive political family.

APC Reaction and Political Significance

Welcoming the defection, Adedayo described Oni as a “resourceful and popular leader” whose experience and grassroots appeal would add considerable value to the APC. He stated that the former governor’s decision represented a major boost to the party’s numerical and strategic strength as it consolidates support across the state.

The commissioner further characterised the move as a significant realignment ahead of the 2026 Ekiti governorship poll and the 2027 general elections. He said the APC was encouraged by the pace of the e-registration exercise and expressed confidence that the party was positioning itself for future electoral success.

Adedayo congratulated party members on what he termed a major accomplishment, stressing that Oni’s presence within the APC at this critical period would help attract more citizens to register with the party, particularly at the grassroots level where the former governor is widely regarded.

E-Registration Drive and Party Mobilisation

The APC chieftain urged party leaders and members not to relent in their mobilisation efforts, warning against complacency despite recent gains. He emphasised that sustained and coordinated action remained necessary to expand the party’s reach at the ward and local government levels.

He also revealed that Oni’s registration came barely 24 hours after Governor Biodun Oyebanji revalidated his All Progressives Congress membership, a development he said should inspire renewed mobilisation across the state. Party faithful were encouraged to participate actively in the e-registration exercise to demonstrate loyalty and commitment to the party’s objectives.

Adedayo reiterated that the electronic registration initiative was central to strengthening the All Progressives Congress’s grassroots structures and ensuring accurate documentation of members. He added that the exercise was crucial to the party’s electoral strategy, including efforts to secure Governor Oyebanji’s re-election in the June 20 governorship election, making broad participation essential for APC members in Ekiti State.