The Oyo State Government has dismissed reports alleging that Governor Seyi Makinde has been holding secret meetings with cabinet members and political stakeholders to prevent further defections from his political camp, describing the publication as a calculated attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to create a false impression of crisis within the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The government’s reaction followed a report alleging that a wave of defections by prominent politicians, particularly in Ogbomoso Zone, had destabilised Makinde’s political structure and triggered a series of meetings at his Ikolaba and Kolapo Ishola residences in Ibadan.
The report also claimed that the governor was worried about the growing number of political exits and had been consulting members of his remaining inner circle on how to prevent further defections ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described the allegations as false, misleading and politically motivated.
Olanrewaju argued that the APC was attempting to manufacture a crisis around Makinde’s political movement because of the governor’s popularity and record of performance in Oyo State.
He maintained that Makinde’s leadership style had always been based on consultation, inclusiveness and engagement with stakeholders across political, professional and community divides, insisting that the governor did not need secret meetings to interact with members of his administration or political associates.
The media aide further argued that political movements were normal in a democracy, adding that the movement of some individuals from one political platform to another did not necessarily indicate the collapse of a political structure.
He acknowledged that some individuals had chosen to pursue other political paths but insisted that many more leaders, professionals, youths and grassroots supporters were identifying with and joining the APM because of the impact of Makinde’s administration.
“While a few individuals have chosen to pursue other political paths, many more leaders, stakeholders, professionals, youths and grassroots supporters continue to identify with and join the APM,” he stated.
The government’s response came against the backdrop of a series of high-profile political exits from Makinde’s camp in recent months.
Among the prominent figures reported to have defected to the APC are former Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; Alhaji Rasak Gbadegesin, popularly known as Agbeti; former Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Hosea Agboola (Alleluyah); former Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; and Alhaji Bisi Olopoeniyan.
Others include former Ogbomoso South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Timothy Oyeniyi; Hon. Alabi Olateju of Oriire; Hon. Isaiah Adegbite; Hon. Peter Oyetunji; Hon. Jimoh Sikiru; and the APM chairman in Ogbomoso North, alongside other political figures and grassroots representatives from Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa.
The political exits have also been accompanied by resignations from key positions in the state government and its agencies.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo, and the ministry’s Special Adviser, Simeon Adegbola Oyeleke, resigned effective November 2. While Ojo did not publicly disclose his reason, Oyeleke reportedly cited an uncomfortable working environment and difficulties in representing the aspirations of his constituents.
Similarly, Sunday Olugbenga Falana resigned from the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), while the Director-General of the Due Process Office, Tara Adefope, also left the administration.
Other notable political figures previously reported to have left Makinde’s camp include former political adviser, Chief Babatunde Oduyoye, and former Special Adviser on Security, Fatai Owoseni.
The earlier report attributed the growing disaffection to alleged grievances over the governor’s political succession arrangement, particularly the emergence of Bimbo Adekanmbi as the APM governorship candidate for the 2027 election, as well as concerns about some policies of the administration.
It further alleged that meetings involving the governor and some remaining loyalists had failed to produce a concrete strategy to stem the political exits.
However, Olanrewaju challenged the credibility of the report, faulting its reliance on unnamed sources and what he described as unverifiable meetings and imaginary conversations.
He also listed infrastructure, education, healthcare, agribusiness, workers’ welfare, security and economic expansion as areas where the Makinde administration had recorded achievements, arguing that these remained the foundation of its continued political support.
According to him, workers’ salaries are paid promptly, pension obligations are being addressed, strategic road projects are ongoing across the state’s geopolitical zones, while healthcare infrastructure and investment opportunities are receiving attention.
He maintained that the strength of a political movement should not be measured by the noise surrounding individual defections but by the confidence it continues to inspire among the electorate.
The governor’s aide challenged APC leaders to explain why they had struggled to present a compelling alternative to the achievements of the Makinde administration despite controlling the Federal Government.
He added that Makinde remained focused on governance and the fulfilment of his mandate rather than succession politics.
The latest exchange underscores the growing political contest in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with the APC seeking to consolidate its gains from recent defections while the APM insists that the development has not weakened its political structure.
For now, while the opposition’s account points to growing cracks within Makinde’s political camp, the governor’s media office insists that the APM remains united and continues to attract fresh support.
