Saheed Oladele SDP Defection Oyo sees ex-APC aspirant join SDP, declaring strong ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship race
A former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Saheed Oladele, on Monday formally announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), marking a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The declaration, made during a meeting with party leaders, stakeholders, youths and journalists, was described by Oladele as both a “profoundly personal and historic” decision that signals his renewed political direction within Oyo State’s evolving landscape.
Oladele, while addressing attendees, traced his political consciousness back to the 1993 pro-democracy movement, recalling his participation as a young boy in Akure during protests demanding the validation of the presidential mandate of Chief MKO Abiola.
He said the experience shaped his lifelong commitment to democratic values.
He expressed pride in joining the SDP, describing it as a party rooted in “justice, equity and progress,” and noting its historical association with Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Oladele explained that his exit from the APC, alongside his decision to decline gubernatorial candidacy offers from other political parties, was driven by what he called a principle of “conviction over convenience.”
He stressed that his political ambition is anchored on ideological alignment and a desire to promote good governance, rather than personal gain or political expediency.
The former APC aspirant also used the occasion to criticise what he described as a political culture that prioritises elite calculations over public sentiment, urging a shift towards greater accountability and people-centred leadership.
Addressing young Nigerians, Oladele called for increased political engagement, arguing that decades of being labelled “leaders of tomorrow” must give way to active participation in shaping the country’s future.
He further appealed for broad-based support across Oyo State, urging citizens to align with his vision under the SDP as part of what he described as a movement to secure collective progress.
Oladele expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, declaring the SDP “the party to beat in 2027 in Oyo State,” while positioning his entry as a strategic boost to its political structure.
He pledged to build what he termed a movement anchored on shared purpose and inclusivity, insisting that the era of opportunistic political alignments within the party was coming to an end.
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Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Oladele stated that his candidacy would signal a new political direction for Oyo State, promising leadership defined by dignity, inclusion and development.
