As political realignments intensify ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, on Thursday, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He was joined by a group of influential defectors, including notable figures from Ede, the hometown of the incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke.
Dr. Ogunbiyi’s defection marks a major political shift, especially as he formally announced his intention to contest the 2026 governorship election under the APC platform. The declaration took place at the party’s state secretariat in Osogbo, where he also presented his manifesto to the party’s leadership.
The APC Chairman in Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal, warmly welcomed Ogunbiyi and his supporters. He was joined by Halilu Ibrahim, a representative from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, who was on hand to officially receive the defectors into the party.
While addressing party members and leaders at the event, Ogunbiyi emphasized the importance of unity and decorum as aspirants prepare to jostle for the party’s ticket.
“I am here today not only to declare my interest in the 2026 gubernatorial race but also to unveil my vision for Osun State through my manifesto.
“I urge every member of our great party to approach the contest peacefully. Ultimately, only one candidate will emerge, and when that happens, we must all rally behind that person. Our collective goal must be to rescue Osun State from this ongoing era of unserious and directionless governance,” he said.
Ogunbiyi also expressed confidence in his widespread appeal and political strength across the state, stating, “I believe I represent a unifying figure among all APC aspirants in Osun. I have loyal supporters across the length and breadth of the state and enjoy significant goodwill from the grassroots to the elite.”
He went on to applaud the leadership and vision of former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, as well as APC chieftain and former Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande.
He described both men as guiding lights within the party, whose wisdom and experience continue to steer the APC in the right direction.
Addressing recent speculations regarding a possible defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke to the APC, Ogunbiyi dismissed the rumour as inconsequential to his own aspirations.
“I am not threatened in any way by talks of Governor Adeleke contemplating joining our party. APC is the party to beat, not just in Osun but across Nigeria. We are attracting politicians from across party lines because of our proven ability to deliver development,” he said.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a model of progressive leadership. According to Ogunbiyi, the President’s policies are fostering positive change across states and local governments nationwide.
“Everywhere you go, you see the federal government’s impact, thanks to President Tinubu’s visionary governance,” he added.
Highlighting the momentum of his movement, Ogunbiyi officially welcomed a major PDP leader in Ede, Hon. Adebayo Adediran of Ward 4, Alajue, along with over 1,100 of his followers, into the APC. The mass defection from Adeleke’s stronghold is seen as a significant blow to the ruling PDP in Osun.
Speaking on behalf of the national leadership of the APC, Halilu Ibrahim expressed confidence that the APC would reclaim Osun in 2026.
He assured supporters that with the calibre of leaders like Ogunbiyi joining the party, victory in the next gubernatorial race is well within reach.