A political storm has erupted in Ekiti State as former Senator Biodun Olujimi reportedly intends to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move has been met with significant resistance from key APC stakeholders and PDP loyalists alike.
Opposition Within APC
Prominent APC leaders in Ekiti South Senatorial District have openly opposed Olujimi’s planned defection, arguing that she would cause more harm than good. According to a senior party member who spoke anonymously:
- Olujimi previously engineered a rebellion against former Governor Ayo Fayose, which contributed to the collapse of the PDP in the state.
- APC leaders claim they have been winning elections in Ekiti South without her, implying she offers no added electoral advantage.
- When Olujimi attempted to join the APC before the 2023 elections, she reportedly retreated after failing to secure the APC senatorial ticket and later contested on the PDP platform, including challenging the APC election outcome in court.
This history underpins the rejection, with APC factions unwilling to welcome her due to perceived opportunism and a controversial past.
Reaction Within PDP
Within the PDP, Olujimi’s plan to leave is seen as a betrayal by some factions, especially those aligned with PDP State Chairmanship aspirant Funsho Ayeni. Olujimi was instrumental in rallying support for Ayeni and was linked to a recent Abuja meeting unveiling the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a coalition platform for disaffected PDP members.
Her defection threatens to deepen divisions within the PDP in Ekiti, which is already grappling with internal fractures.
Political Implications
The tension reflects broader dynamics as APC consolidates power through defections ahead of the 2027 elections. Olujimi's move underscores the complex interplay of personal ambition, party loyalty, and strategic calculations in Nigerian politics. Her formal defection might:
- Trigger further realignments within Ekiti’s political landscape.
- Affect PDP's internal cohesion and electoral prospects.
- Challenge APC’s internal discipline with dissent from stakeholders.
Whether APC will officially accept her remains uncertain as the party weighs the political costs and benefits.
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