The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State has suffered a major setback following the defection of serving local government executive members, including the Treasurer, Hon. Jide Oke; Auditor, Hon. Isaiah Ayoola; Legal Adviser; and the Ward Chairman of Oyere 1, alongside over 200 other members, to the Accord Party.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Segun Amure, Spokesperson to the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly on Friday, which was made available to Sahel Standard in Osogbo.
The defectors, including party leaders like Hon. Saka Babarinde; ward executives; youth leaders and grassroots mobilisers, announced their exit at a political reception held at Eleweran, Ife North. Also present was Hon. Akinrinade, alongside Hon. Adegoke, Chairman of the Ife Federal Constituency Zonal Timber Association.
Others identified among the defectors include Oke Olajide Immanuel, Local Government Exco Treasurer, Asipa/Akinlalu Ward; Ayoola Isaiah, Auditor, Oyere 1; Odewale Olufemi, Legal Officer; Sakin Oye Iyi, Financial Secretary, Ipetumodu Ward 2; and Eunice Kudirat, Local Government Exco member.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Saka Babarinde said the decision followed prolonged internal crises within the APC in the area, adding that the group unanimously resolved to “return home” in search of a more accommodating political platform.
“We are back home. We can no longer remain in a tattered house,” he said.
Hon. Jide Oke, one of the serving APC Treasurers, described the decision as a collective move driven by the need for political inclusiveness and stronger grassroots engagement.
Hon. Prince Yemi Makinde (U&I) described the defection as a welcome development, noting that the Accord Party remains a credible platform for inclusiveness and grassroots participation in Osun politics.
The defectors were received into the Accord Party by the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Akinyode Abidemi Oyewusi, and Hon. Adesoye, alongside all party leaders.
Oyewusi assured the new entrants of fairness, protection and equal opportunities within the party structure, urging them to remain committed and work for the emergence of Governor Ademola Adeleke on August 15, 2026.
