The leadership and members of the former Zenith Labour Party in Oyo State, popularly known as the Ladoja Group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group, led by Comrade Wole Abisoye, announced their defection during a meeting with the Oyo State leadership of the APC at the party’s state secretariat, Oke-Ado Ibadan, the state capital on Thursday.
They were received by the State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Olayide Abas, alongside other party executives, including the state secretary, Hon. Tajudeen Olanite, youth leader, Prince John Aremo and publicity secretary, Comrade Olawale Shadare
Welcoming the defectors, the Oyo State APC Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Moshood Abas, described their decision as a significant political development for the party. He expressed delight at receiving prominent politicians who were long-time associates of former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Abas noted that the entry of the Ladoja Group into the APC fold would further strengthen the party’s structure across the state and enhance its chances in the 2027 general elections at all levels.
“This is a welcome development for our great party. Their experience, political reach and grassroots connection will add immense value to the APC in Oyo State,” he said.
Also speaking, the State Secretary of the party, Hon. Tajudeen Olanite, commended the group for what he described as a courageous and progressive decision to align with the APC.
He emphasized that the ongoing electronic registration exercise within the party guarantees equality among members, stressing that no individual is superior to another under the APC structure.
“The e-registration process ensures transparency and inclusiveness. Every member has equal status and opportunity in our party,” Olanite stated.
The defection which is widely seen as a strategic political realignment, is expected to reshape the dynamics of Oyo State politics ahead of the next electoral cycle, as the group pledged 90% Votes for Tinubu in 2027.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Abisoye described the event as “highly successful,” noting that the decision to join the APC was reached at their last group meeting and was unanimously supported by members across the state.
He said the group contacted the APC state chairman, who warmly welcomed them into the ruling party.
“We decided at our last meeting to come into the APC, and it came to fruition today. The state chairman and other party leaders were present to receive us, and we are happy to be part of this historic event,” Abisoye said.
Explaining the reason behind their defection, the former labour party leader described the APC as the only truly progressive party in Nigeria at the moment. He commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the country was witnessing positive transformation under his leadership.
According to him, President Tinubu’s economic reforms are yielding results, with improvements in the value of the naira, declining food prices, and enhanced security across the country.
“The progress made so far is there for everybody to see. The economy is picking up, the naira is regaining value, food prices are coming down, and insecurity is reducing. We are proud of what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing for Nigeria,” he stated.
Abisoye further disclosed that the group is determined to contribute meaningfully to the success of the APC, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He pledged that members of the former Zenith Labour Party and the Ladoja Group would mobilise support to deliver up to 90 percent of votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“We want to contribute to the success of the President in 2027. By the grace of God, we will deliver 90 percent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu,” he assured.
He also revealed that the group had already completed its registration process across all local government areas of the state, stressing that those present at the meeting were representatives of a wider structure spread throughout Oyo State.
“We are already registered across the local governments. Those of us here today are only representing our members across the state,” he added.
