A major political realignment has swept through Saki West Local Government as more than 5,000 members of the influential Halleluyah Reformed Political Movement (HRPM) formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pledged full loyalty to their leader, Senator Hosea Ayoola Agboola—popularly known as Halleluyah. The coordinated mass defection culminated in the group’s official declaration for the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking one of the most significant grassroots political shifts in Oke-Ogun in recent years.
The movement’s exit began at Abeje Multipurpose Hall, Saki, where supporters, political stakeholders, and community leaders gathered to announce their collective withdrawal from the PDP in solidarity with Senator Agboola. Led by the former Chairman of Saki West Local Government, Engr. Sarafadeen Ahmed Omirinde, the gathering was described as a “historic moment of unity, loyalty, and political redirection.”
Omirinde said the mass resignation was an affirmation of the unwavering loyalty of members to Senator Agboola’s leadership.
“Our leader has shown us the path of integrity and principle. Wherever Senator Halleluyah goes, we follow with loyalty and conviction,” he stated.
He stressed that members would no longer attend PDP meetings or participate in any of its activities, adding that the movement had realigned fully with their leader’s political direction.
The transition reached its climax during the group’s general meeting at L.A. Primary School, Isale Taba, Saki, where the HRPM officially declared for the APC with its entire political structure. Addressing the crowd, Omirinde described the defection as a turning point in the region’s political history.
“We are officially joining the APC today with our entire structure. Our departure from the PDP is a major loss because we represented nearly two-thirds of its grassroots strength. With us leaving, the party’s structure in Saki West has practically collapsed,” he noted.
Also speaking, former Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hon. R. O. Muslim, outlined the reasons behind the group’s departure. He said years of internal dissatisfaction, lack of fairness, and disregard for loyal members pushed the movement out of the PDP. He added that the APC’s stability and organizational strength made it the right platform for their political aspirations.
“APC is a successful and stable party. The Halleluyah Movement is confident that this is the right platform for us to channel our political strength,” he said.
Hon. Lukman Adisa Adamawa, a former Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde, highlighted the far-reaching implications of the mass exit.
“Everyone in Saki knows the Halleluyah Movement as the most dedicated PDP bloc. That same dedication, commitment, and political discipline are what we are bringing to our new home,” he stated.
At the earlier meeting, Alhaji Yisau Awokesoro praised members for their unity and resilience during the transition. He described the movement’s decision as “a new chapter in Oyo politics,” adding that the PDP would feel the absence of one of its most organized grassroots bases.
Another prominent figure, Alhaji Abdulraheem Oyedemi Muslim, a former Saki West Local Government Chairman, explained that long-standing internal issues within the PDP led to the mass defection. He noted that loyal members were consistently sidelined and undervalued despite their contributions to the party.
Welcoming the defectors on behalf of Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun, Alhaji Thabit Olofa described the development as a “homecoming” that restores long-standing political bonds.
“Before structures divided us, we were one united political family. Today, we are back together. Bring in your structure, your energy, and your strategy so that victory in 2027 becomes a reality,” he charged.
The event climaxed when Hon. Akin Ajeigbe Bada, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, presented the symbolic APC broom to the new members, signifying unity, collective strength, and readiness to sweep obstacles ahead of future elections.
Political observers describe the mass defection—one of the largest in Oke-Ogun—as a significant reshaping of political power blocs in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
