In what appears to be a growing wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, over 800 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Action Democratic Party (ADP) have officially defected to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The defection ceremony, held at the NNPP secretariat in Ijebu-Igbo on Thursday, May 22, 2025, attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilizers, and supporters from across the 11 wards of the local government.
Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Chairman of NNPP, Barrister John Olufemi Aina, hailed the defectors for what he described as “a bold and patriotic decision to abandon sinking ships and join the only party with a genuine rescue mission for Nigeria.”
“You have left the parties that have failed you and the Nigerian people. For over two decades, the APC and PDP have monopolized our democracy, leaving the nation grappling with poverty, insecurity, unemployment, ritual killings, and economic stagnation,” Aina declared.
He continued: “Your defection today signals a new dawn. NNPP welcomes you as equal members—there will be no discrimination. This is your new political home, and together, we will work to rescue this country.”
Also addressing the crowd, the NNPP State Secretary, Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo, charged the new members to take their commitment a step further by preparing for the next phase of the electoral process.
“We must be ready when INEC opens the window for voter registration. Let’s mobilize across all the wards in Ijebu North and spread the message of the NNPP to every nook and cranny. The task of rebuilding Nigeria begins now,” she said.
The Chairman of NNPP in Ijebu North, Mr. Ogunyemi, expressed optimism that the party is gaining the strength needed to emerge as a formidable force at both state and national levels.
“The time is ripe for NNPP to take the reins of leadership. The people are tired of recycled promises and anti-people policies. These defectors left because they were disappointed by the insensitivity of their former party leaders,” Ogunyemi stated.
He added that the NNPP is already activating structures across all 11 wards in the local government to ensure a strong outing in the 2027 general elections.
Party supporters at the event danced and cheered as the new members were formally presented with NNPP flags and party insignias, symbolizing their acceptance into the fold.
The defection comes amid growing discontent among Nigerians over rising inflation, security challenges, and governance issues—developments which observers say may shape the political landscape in the coming years.