A wave of resignations has hit the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, as members of the House of Representatives, political office holders, governorship aspirants, and several party loyalists have announced their exit from the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.Among those who resigned are Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, popularly known as Ibarapakan, who represents Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency; Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency; Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji; and PDP governorship aspirant, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo.The defectors cited the lingering internal crisis within the PDP as the major reason for their decisions, expressing concerns that the leadership tussle could jeopardize their political ambitions ahead of the next election cycle.Hon. Adepoju said the persistent leadership crisis within the party informed his decision to leave.Similarly, Engr. Olatunji, in a resignation letter dated May 5, 2026, and addressed to the PDP Ward 5 Chairman in Oluyole Local Government, attributed his exit to unresolved disagreements among the party’s national leadership.Despite his resignation, Olatunji expressed appreciation to the PDP leadership at various levels for the opportunity to serve under the party’s platform. He specifically thanked the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, and the state vice chairman, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, for their support throughout his political career.He also acknowledged the role of Otunba Seye Famojuro, whom he described as a major political benefactor. Olatunji noted that consultations were ongoing regarding his next political move and promised to make his future plans known in due course.In the same vein, Ambassador Ajadi announced his resignation from the PDP, saying the unresolved national crisis within the party could pose legal and political challenges to his gubernatorial ambition.In a letter dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to the Oyo State PDP Chairman through the Ward 8 Chairman in Osengere, Egbeda Local Government Area, Ajadi said his decision followed “extensive consultations and careful reflection” on his political future.“I am writing to officially notify you of my decision to resign from the membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately,” he stated.Ajadi explained that his political vision and commitment to “unity, progress, and sustainable leadership” required him to pursue his ambition on another platform.He thanked the national, state, and ward leadership of the PDP for the opportunity to contest under the party and described his experience within the party as “fulfilling and memorable.”According to him, politics should remain a platform for service and nation-building rather than personal rivalry.Political observers believe Ajadi’s resignation could reshape political alignments in Oyo State ahead of future elections, especially considering his influence among young people and grassroots supporters.Although he did not disclose his next political destination, sources close to him revealed that consultations are ongoing with stakeholders across multiple political platforms.Also resigning from the party is Hon. Olajide Odidiomo, a member of the House of Representatives and governorship hopeful, who said the decision became necessary due to prevailing realities within the party structure and his desire to pursue his aspirations in a more inclusive and stable political environment.The growing exodus from the PDP is expected to heighten political realignments in Oyo State as parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
