SIA MOVEMENT RETURNS TO PDP, ENDORSES IYABO OBASANJO, AMUZU, OTHERS —AKINYELE: ‘APC HAS NO DIRECTION, IT IS LIKE A CULT’

The Senator Ibikunle Amosun (SIA) Movement in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), endorsing the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The SIA Movement dumps APC PDP Ogun defection was announced by the group’s leader in Abeokuta, Alhaji Moshood Okanlawon Akinyele, popularly known as Americo, who described the movement’s experience in the APC as disappointing.

THE ENDORSEMENTS

The movement endorsed Senator Iyabo Obasanjo for Ogun Central Senatorial District; Chief Toyin Amuzu for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency; Olufunbi Majekodunmi for Abeokuta South State Constituency I; and Adeoye Adewale Adeniran for Abeokuta South State Constituency II.

Akinyele announced the decision, describing the movement’s return to the PDP as its political home. He accused the APC in Ogun State of lacking direction and failing to provide purposeful leadership that meets the aspirations of ordinary citizens.

He also likened the ruling party to a cult, criticising what he described as its approach to governance and policies that, according to him, had failed to address the concerns of the people.

THE REASONS

Akinyele said the movement’s decision to return to the PDP followed a reassessment of its political experience and a determination to support a party it believes can deliver better leadership and representation.

He added that the movement had resolved to mobilise its members and supporters across Abeokuta South to work for the victory of all PDP candidates in the 2027 elections.

He maintained that the endorsement of Obasanjo, Amuzu, Majekodunmi and Adeniran was a deliberate political decision, stressing that members of the movement were prepared to work towards the emergence of the candidates at the polls.

According to him, the group is determined to contribute to the formation of a government that prioritises the welfare of the people, insisting that its members would not support candidates outside the PDP in the forthcoming elections.

Akinleye described the movement’s return to the opposition party as a fresh beginning, expressing confidence that its candidates would provide the quality of leadership and representation expected by residents of Abeokuta South and Ogun State.

THE PDP’S RESPONSE

Reacting to the development, the PDP candidate for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Chief Toyin Amuzu, welcomed the SIA Movement into the party, describing its return as a boost to the PDP’s political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amuzu commended Akinyele and other members of the movement for what he described as a courageous political decision, expressing optimism that their support would strengthen the party’s chances in the forthcoming polls.

He assured the returning members that the PDP remained a platform for purposeful leadership, people-oriented representation and a better future for Nigerians.

The federal constituency candidate also urged the group to remain united with other party members and work collectively towards securing victory for all PDP candidates in Ogun State in 2027.

THE BACKGROUND: IYABO OBASANJO’S RETURN TO PDP

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, had earlier returned to the PDP in June 2026 after resigning from the APC.

She had joined the APC in January 2026 but left about five months later after losing the race for the party’s governorship ticket. She attributed her resignation to unfair treatment and disrespect by the APC leadership.

In June 2026, the PDP in Ogun State handed her the senatorial ticket for Ogun Central ahead of the 2027 election. She secured the ticket at a massive rally held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta, following her defection from the APC.

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At the ceremony, she pledged allegiance to the PDP’s constitution, manifesto and code of conduct, promising to uphold the ideals of the party and serve with integrity, humility and dedication. “I shall prioritise the welfare of the people above personal and sectional interests,” she said.

WHY IT MATTERS

The defection of the SIA Movement is significant for the PDP’s 2027 campaign in Ogun State.

The movement, associated with former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, retains political influence in Abeokuta South and surrounding areas.

Its return to the PDP, coupled with the earlier defection of Iyabo Obasanjo, strengthens the opposition’s position in Ogun Central Senatorial District, where the APC has traditionally been strong.

The development comes as political parties and their supporters begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with defections and endorsements expected to shape political calculations across Ogun State.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the SIA Movement has dumped the APC for the PDP. The movement has pledged to work for the victory of all PDP candidates in 2027.