By Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan

Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, Chairman of Oyo State Local Government Pension Board and former South East Administrator, Hon. Akeem Ige, Member representing Ibadan South East/North East Federal Constituency, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin, Ibadan South East Local Government Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Alawode, APM Secretary in South East and Councillor on Works, Hon. Saheed Olanrewaju Azeez (SP)were among leaders who received APC defectors and members of the Beauticians/Hairdressers’ Association of Nigeria into the Allied People’s Movement, APM, on Tuesday.

The event, which had party leaders, candidates and members in attendance, was held at Odinjo Grammar School, Ibadan.

Speaking with journalists, Hon. Ige commended the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for its refined and business-friendly policies over the last seven years, saying the democratic leadership must be sustained beyond 2027.

The grassroots leader canvassed votes for Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition and warned against voting for candidates from opposition parties in the forthcoming elections.

He expressed satisfaction with all APM candidates, including Governorship Candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi; Oyo South Senatorial Candidate, Olajide Stanley Odidiomo; and Ibadan South East/North East Federal Constituency Candidate, Abass Adigun Agboworin.

He described the APM as “a political party of good strategy, democracy and inclusion” and commended the loyalty of the defectors and the Hairdressers’ Association, pledging continued inclusivity.

Also speaking, Hon. Emmanuel Alawode and APM South East Secretary, Hon. Saheed Olanrewaju Azeez (SP) described the meeting as “a divine arrangement” and urged members to vote for all APM candidates.

Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin commended the resilience of party members and urged them to mobilize throughout the campaign. The Vice-Chairman, House Committee on Air Force, pledged inclusive empowerment for members, party leaders and residents of the federal Constituency.

Serving lawmakers representing Ibadan South East I and II, Hon. Modiu Akande and Hon. Olayinka Omikunle, called for unity and focus for a historic outing in the forthcoming local government and general elections.

One of the APC defectors, Ojo Titilope-Dare, popularly known as “Butter,” said his years in the APC were “an elusive dream.” He pledged support for Makinde’s presidential ambition, saying his leadership would be more people-centered.

The event featured a street walk, souvenirs, social networking, and a light empowerment session.