Political realignment gathers momentum in Abeokuta South ahead of 2027 general elections
The Senator Ibikunle Amosun (SIA) Movement in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State has announced its defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while endorsing four candidates for elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The movement’s decision marks a fresh political realignment in Abeokuta South as political groups and aspirants continue to position themselves ahead of the forthcoming electoral contest.
The group declared its support for 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.
Announcing the decision, the movement’s leader in Abeokuta, Moshood Okanlawon Akinleye, popularly known as Americo, said the group had resolved to leave the APC following what he described as a disappointing political experience in the ruling party.
According to him, the movement’s reassessment of its involvement in the APC revealed what it considered a lack of direction and a failure to meet the expectations of the people.
Akinleye explained that the decision to return to the PDP was informed by the group’s conviction that it was time to reconsider its political affiliation and chart a new course ahead of the 2027 elections.
He described the PDP as the movement’s political home, stressing that the decision to return to the opposition party followed a careful evaluation of its experience within the APC.
The defection and endorsements are expected to add another dimension to the political calculations in Abeokuta South and Ogun Central, particularly as contenders and their supporters intensify efforts to build alliances ahead of the next general elections.
By endorsing candidates for the senatorial, federal and state constituencies, the SIA Movement has outlined its preferred political direction across three levels of legislative representation.
Senator Iyabo Obasanjo’s endorsement for Ogun Central Senatorial District places her among the politicians receiving the movement’s backing for the senatorial contest. Similarly, Chief Toyin Amuzu’s endorsement signals the group’s support for his ambition in the Abeokuta South Federal Constituency.
At the state level, the movement declared support for Olufunbi Majekodunmi in Constituency I and Adeoye Adewale Adeniran in Constituency II, thereby extending its endorsements to both state assembly constituencies in Abeokuta South.
The development comes against the backdrop of growing political activities across Ogun State, where party structures, political movements and aspirants are preparing for the 2027 general elections.
The movement’s departure from the APC could become a talking point in local political discussions, particularly regarding the ability of political parties to retain grassroots support and maintain cohesion within their ranks.
However, the broader electoral implications of the defection will depend on the movement’s organisational strength, the extent of support it can mobilise for its preferred candidates, and how other political stakeholders respond to the development.
For the PDP, the movement’s return represents an opportunity to strengthen its local political presence and build support ahead of the elections. For the APC, the development presents a fresh challenge in retaining the loyalty of political groups operating within Abeokuta South.
The movement’s endorsements also underscore the importance of political alliances in constituency-based elections, where grassroots mobilisation and established networks can play significant roles in shaping electoral outcomes.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, attention will increasingly focus on how political movements translate endorsements and party affiliations into voter support.
For now, the SIA Movement’s decision to leave the APC for the PDP, alongside its backing of Iyabo Obasanjo, Toyin Amuzu, Olufunbi Majekodunmi and Adeoye Adewale Adeniran, signals a notable shift in its political alignment in Abeokuta South.
Whether the move will significantly influence the electoral fortunes of the endorsed candidates remains to be seen as the political landscape in Ogun State continues to evolve.
