Massive exodus has hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State as House of Representatives members and aspirants for various elective positions in the 2027 general elections and members of the party have begun resigning their membership from the party with immediate effect.

Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, representing Ibarapa Central and North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; House of Representatives member for Ibadan North-west/Ibadan South-west, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide; the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji; the PDP governorship aspirant, Ajadi Oguntoyinbo; and several others have separately tendered their resignation letters from the party.

They stated that their decisions were based on the internal wrangling within the party, which may likely deprive them of the opportunity to vie for elective positions in the 2027 general elections.

Adebayo, popularly known as Ibarapakan, said, “I am leaving the party because of the leadership crisis rocking the party.”

Also, the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Olatunji, in a resignation letter dated 5 May 2026 and submitted to the Chairman of Ward 5, Oluyole Local Government, Mojeed Raji Iyan, attributed his decision to disagreements among the party’s leadership at the national level.

Olatunji thanked the leadership of the party at all levels for what he described as a rare privilege to serve the people in different capacities on the platform of the PDP.

He specifically appreciated the state chairman and vice chairman, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro and Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, for their support and guidance at all times.

He also expressed gratitude to Otunba Seye Famojuro, whom he described as his political benefactor committed to the advancement of his political career.

He assured that he would communicate his next political decision to the people, as wider consultations are still ongoing among critical stakeholders and leaders in Oluyole Local Government.

Similarly, the governorship aspirant of the party in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, attributed his resignation from the party to the need to pursue his gubernatorial ambition on another political platform, due to the unresolved crisis at the national level of the PDP.

Ajadi said the lingering internal crisis within the party could pose legal challenges to his gubernatorial aspiration in the long run.

In a resignation letter dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to the Oyo State Chairman of the PDP at the party’s secretariat in Molete, Ibadan, Ajadi said his decision followed “extensive consultations and careful reflection” on his political future and ideological direction.

The letter, routed through the PDP Ward Chairman of Ward 8, Osengere in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, marks a significant political development within the party in the state.

“I am writing to officially notify you of my decision to resign from the membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately,” he said.

“This decision comes after extensive consultations and careful reflection on my political direction, particularly in relation to the broader state and national vision of unity, progress, and sustainable leadership that I remain deeply committed to pursuing.”

“I wish to express my profound appreciation to the national leadership of the PDP for the opportunity to pursue my political ambition under the party’s banner, as well as acknowledge the unwavering support, guidance, and cooperation I received from the state leadership and the ward chapter throughout my political journey within the party,” he added.

Describing politics as a vehicle for service rather than personal rivalry, Ajadi emphasised his continued commitment to democratic participation and nation-building.

“Politics, for me, has always been a calling to serve humanity, not a contest of egos,” he declared. “I remain grateful for the trust reposed in me and for the platform the PDP provided to engage constructively in nation-building and democratic participation.”

Political observers in Oyo State believe Ajadi’s resignation could trigger fresh political alignments ahead of future contests in the state, especially considering his influence among youths and grassroots supporters.

Although Ajadi did not disclose his next political destination in the letter, sources close to the politician hinted that consultations are ongoing with associates and stakeholders across different political platforms.

The development is expected to generate reactions within the Oyo State political landscape, particularly among PDP loyalists and opposition blocs monitoring emerging alliances ahead of future elections.

In a conciliatory tone, Ajadi praised members of the PDP for their resilience and patriotism while praying for the continued success of the party in strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

“I salute the courage, resilience, and patriotism of all PDP members and pray that the party continues to play its vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and fostering good governance,” he stated.

He further noted that he was leaving the party with “no bitterness or regret,” describing his experience within the PDP as “fulfilling and memorable.”

“As I take a new path in my political journey, I do so with no bitterness or regret, but with sincere gratitude to every member of the PDP family who contributed to making my experience both fulfilling and memorable,” Ajadi reiterated.

On his part, Odidiomo, who is a House of Representatives member and also a governorship, said the decision, though difficult, became necessary in view of prevailing realities within the party structure and his desire to continue pursuing his political aspirations and commitment to public service in an atmosphere that guarantees inclusiveness, stability, and progressive engagement.

the decision, though difficult, became necessary in view of prevailing realities within the party structure and his desire to continue pursuing his political aspirations and commitment to public service in an atmosphere that guarantees inclusiveness, stability, and progressive engagement. (TRIBUNE)