alleges Internal Sabotage, Declares for PDP Ahead of 2027 Oyo Guber Race
Former House of Representatives member, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, has formally announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing internal marginalization and what he described as “clear body language” from party leaders pushing him out.
Fijabi, now a governorship aspirant under the PDP for the 2027 Oyo State election, made the declaration while addressing political developments surrounding his exit from the APC and his new political alignment.
He recounted a controversial episode at the APC Youth Summit in Oyo State, where he said he voluntarily walked out to avoid escalating tensions.
“I walked out myself. If I wanted to sit down, I would have sat down and nothing would have happened, but being a reasonable person, I didn’t want to create an unfortunate scene,” he said.
Fijabi also made strong allegations against some APC leaders, claiming covert ties with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
“Most of their leaders are talking to GSM. I have it on record. Some sneak in at night to collect money from the governor but cannot say it openly,” he alleged.
The former lawmaker alleged that a senior party figure, whom he described as a former secretary of the APC, worsened the situation instead of resolving it. According to him, the incident was part of a broader pattern of hostility and exclusion.
“Since then, I have seen their body language and I have to move on,” Fijabi stated, adding that his political instincts and local awareness guided his decision. “I got all the signals and needed to move away from the party.”
Fijabi also made strong allegations against some APC leaders, claiming covert ties with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
“Most of their leaders are talking to GSM. I have it on record. Some sneak in at night to collect money from the governor but cannot say it openly,” he alleged.
Describing the hostility he faced from APC youth members as “hypocrisy,” Fijabi insisted that his decision to leave the party was both deliberate and necessary.
Confirming his new political home, he said he has completed his PDP registration and is actively engaging with party stakeholders at the grassroots and leadership levels.
“I attended the PDP governorship screening committee. I am a card-carrying member now, and my relationship with party leaders is top-notch,” he said.
Fijabi explained that his departure from the APC was not abrupt but followed due process, noting that he chose not to participate in the party’s recent membership revalidation exercise.
He further linked his estrangement from the APC to his role as chairman of the Oyo @ 50 celebration committee, an appointment facilitated by the state government.
“I served the state as chairman of Oyo @ 50, not PDP @ 50,” he said, expressing disappointment that many APC members distanced themselves from him after accepting the role.
Despite the backlash, he commended the family of the late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi, for attending the events, describing their gesture as an example of statesmanship.
Fijabi concluded that the lack of communication and exclusion from party activities confirmed his diminishing relevance within the APC, reinforcing his decision to switch allegiance as he prepares for the 2027 governorship race.