Former Ekiti State Governor Olusegun Oni has officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that signifies a significant political realignment in Nigeria. Oni, a prominent figure in Ekiti politics, registered with the APC at his country home in Ifaki Ekiti, marking a new chapter in his political career. This defection is anticipated to bolster the APC’s strength, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming 2026 governorship election and the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made by Adesola Adedayo, the APC’s coordinator for the ongoing e-registration exercise in Ekiti and the state Commissioner for Youth Development, who hailed Oni’s move as a major boost for the party. Adedayo emphasized that Oni’s return to the APC is a testament to his enduring popularity and strategic value, predicting a tremendous addition to the party’s grassroots presence and overall influence. His registration is seen as a crucial step in expanding the APC’s membership base within Ekiti State, reinforcing the party’s ongoing commitment to growth and consolidation. Oni’s political journey has seen him serve as Ekiti governor from 2007 to 2010 under the Peoples Democratic Party banner and later as the Social Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in the 2022 election. The commissioner further elaborated that Oni’s active participation in the e-registration, mirroring Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s recent revalidation, is expected to inspire greater engagement from the populace and solidify the party’s foundational structures at the local level. Having a figure of Oni’s stature and recognized influence join the APC at this critical juncture is undeniably a substantial advantage, according to Adedayo, who urged all party leaders to intensify their mobilization efforts to fortify the party’s position across all local communities. The implications of Segun Oni’s defection are far-reaching, potentially reshaping the political landscape of Ekiti State and influencing broader national political discourse. This move highlights the dynamic nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances and party affiliations can shift rapidly, driven by strategic considerations and evolving political currents. The APC’s leadership will undoubtedly leverage Oni’s experience and connections to strengthen their electoral prospects in the coming years. The former governor’s decision to join the APC suggests a strategic alignment with the ruling party’s agenda and a belief in its capacity to deliver on its promises to the electorate. His past roles and electoral history make him a valuable asset for any political party aiming for electoral success in Ekiti. Therefore, Segun Oni’s return to the APC is not merely a personal political maneuver but a development with significant implications for the state’s political future and the ruling party’s broader electoral ambitions. What is the significance of Segun Oni joining the APC? The significance lies in the boost it provides to the APC’s grassroots presence and electoral prospects in Ekiti State, particularly ahead of the 2026 governorship and 2027 general elections, due to Oni’s popularity and experience. This strategic acquisition of a prominent politician is expected to enhance the party’s influence and operational capacity within the region. The APC’s continued focus on membership expansion and consolidation is evident in this move, aiming to solidify its dominance in the state. The political analysts are closely watching how this integration will play out and its impact on opposition parties. The future of Ekiti politics will likely be shaped by such strategic alliances and defections.
