By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Olalekan Ayorinde, the 2019 governorship candidate for the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) in Oyo State, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This move marks a significant shift for the former candidate as he aligns himself with the state’s main opposition party.

The formal reception for Ayorinde took place on Wednesday at the APC state secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan. He was warmly welcomed by the state party chairman, Moses Alake, along with several other prominent leaders from the Ibadan North East Local Government Area.

During the event, the symbolic APC broom was presented to Ayorinde to signify his full integration into the party. The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including the Ward 2 executives and the chairman of Ibadan North East Local Government, Azeez Asimolowo Elewure.

Addressing the audience, Ayorinde clarified that his decision to join the APC was not motivated by a desire to contest for any specific political office. He emphasized that his primary goal is to support the party’s progress and contribute to the overall development of the state.

Ayorinde described his motivation as being rooted in his commitment as a “true son of the soil” to serve the people. He noted that the advancement of Ibadan and Oyo State remains his core priority, regardless of his personal political standing.

In response, the APC Chairman of Ibadan North East, Azeez Elewure, praised the defection, labeling Ayorinde as a “valuable asset” to the party. He highlighted Ayorinde’s extensive experience and strong grassroots connections as factors that would benefit the APC significantly.

Elewure further noted that the former governorship candidate’s entry into the party is expected to bolster the APC’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. He confirmed that Ayorinde had already completed the necessary alignment processes at both the ward and local government levels.

The defection is seen as a strategic boost for the Oyo APC as they seek to consolidate their power base in the region. Ayorinde’s transition from the ANRP to the APC reflects the ongoing realignment of political forces within the state’s political landscape.