In what political observers have described as one of the most significant grassroots realignments in recent years, over 5,000 members of the Halleluyah Movement Group in Saki West have formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass defection took place on Friday during the group’s general meeting held at L.A. Primary School, Isale Taba, Saki, marking a major shift in the political landscape of the zone.
The event drew prominent political figures, former government officials, and party stakeholders who applauded the movement’s decision and described it as a major boost for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“A Total Collapse of PDP Structure in Saki” — Omirinde
Speaking during the official declaration, Hon. Sarafadeen Omirinde, former Chairman of Saki West Local Government, announced that the group had unanimously resolved to pitch its tent with the ruling party.
According to him, the exit of the Halleluyah Movement from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)represents a monumental loss for the opposition party in the area.
“Today, we have officially joined the ruling APC with our full squad. Our departure from the PDP is a total loss for them because we constitute nearly two-thirds of their active structure. With our exit, the party’s foundation in Saki West has collapsed,” Omirinde declared.
He noted that the group is committed to contributing meaningfully to the progress and electoral strength of the APC in the region.
“APC Is a Successful Party” — Former Commissioner Muslim
Also speaking at the ceremony, Hon. R. O. Muslim, former Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, stated that the Halleluyah Movement’s decision to join the APC was driven by the party’s record of governance and internal coordination.
He explained that the group was convinced that the APC provides a more viable platform for growth, political stability, and the advancement of democratic ideals.
“The APC has proven itself as a successful and progressive party in Nigeria. We believe this is the right place for us to continue our political journey,” he said.
He further criticized the PDP for failing to make use of the enormous human and material resources available to it while the group was still a part of the party.
“We Are Bringing Our Known Commitment to APC” — Adamawa
In his remarks, Hon. Lukman Adisa Adamawa emphasized that the Halleluyah Movement had been one of the most committed blocs within the PDP prior to its exit.
“We were the most dedicated members of the PDP before now. That same loyalty, energy, and commitment are what we are bringing into our new party, the APC,” he stated.
He assured APC leadership that the group’s mobilization capacity, organizational strength, and grassroots influence would now work in favor of the ruling party.
APC Leaders Welcome Defectors, Call It a ‘Homecoming’
Representing Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun, Alhaji Thabit Olofa warmly welcomed the group into the APC fold, describing the defection as a “homecoming.”
“You were once part of us before political structures drifted apart. Today, we are one big family again. This is home for you,” he said.
He encouraged the new members to bring the strong political structure they once managed in the PDP into the APC, stressing that their influence would be instrumental in securing victory in 2027.
APC Symbol Presented to New Members
In a symbolic act signifying their full absorption into the party, Hon. Akin Ajeigbe Bada, former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, officially presented the APC’s broom symbol to the defectors.
He noted that the broom signifies unity and collective strength, urging the new entrants to work harmoniously with existing members to fortify the party’s presence across Saki and Oke-Ogun at large.
