PDP Chieftain, Adegbenla, Other Opposition Leaders Join APC in Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency

Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency witnessed a significant political shift as key opposition figures, alongside their supporters, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a grand ceremony held on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Among the notable decampees were Hon. Muslihudeen Abiodun Adegbenla, a PDP stakeholder in Ona Ara LGA, former council chairman aspirant, and past State Assembly aspirant, as well as Hon. Kazeem Akinleye, the ADP Party Chairman in Ona Ara LGA and the party’s 2023 State Assembly candidate.

Citing Rep. Akin Alabi’s outstanding infrastructural developments and impactful projects, the decampees expressed confidence in his leadership and commitment to community progress. They are ready to support him in taking the constituency to greater heights.

Along with these key political figures, a large number of their followers have also joined the APC, further strengthening the party’s presence in the constituency.

Speaking on his decision to defect, Hon. Muslihudeen Abiodun Adegbenla stated:

“Rep. Akin Alabi has demonstrated true leadership through his infrastructural projects and empowerment initiatives. It is clear that he prioritises the welfare of the people, and I believe joining hands with him will bring more progress to our constituency.”

Similarly, Hon. Kazeem Akinleye emphasised the need for unity in driving development:

“Politics is about service to the people. Having observed Rep. Akin Alabi’s impact, I am convinced that the APC is the right platform to bring more development to our people. My supporters and I are ready to contribute our quota to this great movement.”

In addition, Adegbenla emphasised Akin Alabi’s inclusive governance, stating that his non-discriminatory approach to development, irrespective of political affiliation, further influenced his decision to leave the PDP and work with him.

For Hon. Kazeem Akinleye, another key factor in his decision was Akin Alabi’s recent empowerment initiative for persons with disabilities, as well as his transparency in stating that the initiative was facilitated through government programs rather than personal income.

The defectors were warmly received into the APC fold by notable party leaders, including:

The APC Party Chairmen from Ona Ara and Egbeda LGA, Alhaji Prince Ogundipe and Hon. Olaleye, Elder Fawole, APC Chieftain, and Hon. Ogundele, former Ona Ara LGA Chairman,

Hon. Ismaila Akanni Ere, Former Ona Ara LGA Chairman, Alhaji Akanmu Rafiu, Ona Ara LGA Liaison Officer to Oyo Central Senator, and several other party stakeholders.

Other influential decampees included Chief Mrs. Margreth Okandeji, former PDP Women Leader, Ward 6; Mrs. Ayilara Florence, PDP Auditor; Mrs. Kemi Ademuyiwa, Group Women Leader, Azeez Muritala, Ward 11; and many other PDP and ADP party loyalists from various wards across the constituency.

Speaking at the event, Rep. Akin Alabi urged the new party members to remain committed to APC and its structure, stressing that consistency and loyalty are key in politics.

“I started as an APC member before becoming who I am today. I urge you all to stay committed to the party and its leadership. In legislative politics, seniority matters. A lawmaker’s ability to secure more projects and opportunities for constituents improves with experience and tenure. This is why lawmakers need to return for multiple terms to maximise benefits for the people.”

He further emphasised that APC remains the only functional and truly progressive party in Nigeria, stating, “If we are being honest, APC is the only functional party in Nigeria today. It is the only party that is organised, structured, and focused on delivering real governance. That is why you see people leaving other parties and coming to join us. We welcome you all, and together, we will continue to work for the progress of our people.”

The defection of these influential figures, alongside their large number of followers, signals a major political realignment in Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency. It further strengthens APC’s grassroots structure, positioning the party for greater dominance in the constituency.

In a statement by Akin Alabi’s media aide, Hameed Mustapha Ramadan, he emphasised that this mass defection reflects the impact of Rep. Akin Alabi’s leadership and his commitment to delivering quality representation to the people.

With these new additions, APC’s influence in Ona Ara and Egbeda LGAs has been further solidified, setting the stage for stronger political dominance ahead of future elections.