Over 500 Accord Supporters Join APC in Ifon, Declare Support for Oyebamiji.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline, Northern Bureau Chief
August 13, 2026.
IFON, OSUN STATE — The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifon received a major boost on Thursday following the defection of Pastor Afolabi Mayowa, popularly known as OGO, and more than 500 of his supporters from the Accord Party to the ruling party.
The defection took place during a colourful political gathering in Ifon, where the new members formally identified with the APC and expressed their readiness to participate in the party’s activities ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election.
The development is being viewed by APC leaders in the area as an indication of continued grassroots realignment and growing competition among political parties as the election approaches.
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Representing the Osun State APC leadership at the ceremony was the State Youth Leader, Alhaji Olagoke Akinwemimo, who formally presented the APC party flag to Pastor Afolabi Mayowa and his supporters on behalf of the party.
Speaking during the event, the new APC members declared their support for the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), saying they had decided to join the APC in pursuit of what they described as their political and developmental interests.
The new entrants also pledged to work with existing APC members at the grassroots and contribute to the party’s campaign and mobilisation efforts across the area.
The influx of new members comes at a critical period in the state’s political calendar, with major political parties intensifying grassroots mobilisation and reaching out to voters across the state.
APC officials at the event described the development as evidence of the party’s expanding grassroots network, particularly among young people and community-based political actors.
They said the party would continue to welcome Nigerians who share its political aspirations and are willing to contribute to its activities in a peaceful and democratic manner.
Among the party leaders and stakeholders present at the defection ceremony were Abolade Nureni Adekunle, Local Government Chairman; Awolade Najeem Adewale, Party Chairman; Ibrahim Wasiu Ayinde, State Executive Council member; and Pastor Afolabi Mayowa (OGO), alongside other party leaders, stakeholders and supporters.
The latest political realignment adds to the series of defections and mobilisation activities being recorded across Osun State as political parties intensify their efforts to consolidate their support bases ahead of the governorship poll.
For the APC, the Ifon development is expected to further strengthen its local campaign structure and provide additional grassroots manpower as the party continues its mobilisation ahead of the election.
Speaking on the development, party supporters expressed optimism that the arrival of the new members would strengthen cooperation among existing and incoming members and broaden the APC’s organisational reach in the area.
However, with the election still to be decided by voters, the significance of the defection will ultimately be measured by the extent to which the new political alignment translates into actual electoral support at the polling units.
The APC leadership nevertheless maintained that it remains focused on grassroots mobilisation, peaceful campaigning and presenting its candidate and political programme to the people of Osun State.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 14TH AUGUST, 2026)
