Former Makinde Aide Wale Ajani Defects to Accord Party, Forms Alliance with Oriyomi Hamzat

The political atmosphere in Oyo State has witnessed a significant realignment as Hon. Wale Ajani, the immediate past Director-General of the Oyo State Liaison Offices in Abuja and Lagos, has officially severed ties with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pitch his tent with the Accord Party. Ajani, a former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), announced his defection just days after resigning from the Makinde administration. This move is seen as a strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, where he is expected to vie for the Oyo Central Senatorial District seat, a position he previously contested in the 2023 election cycle.

In a development that has sent ripples through the state's political fabric, Ajani revealed that his defection is not a solitary journey but a collaborative effort with one of the most influential figures in Oyo State media, Oriyomi Hamzat. The duo is spearheading a new political pressure group known as the "Òyó N' Pe Ọ́ Movement" (Oyo is Calling You), which aims to galvanize grassroots support across the state. The formal declaration for the Accord Party is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 17, at the iconic Liberty Stadium in Ibadan. This venue choice itself signals the scale of their ambition, as they prepare to mobilize thousands of supporters to witness the birth of what they describe as a “liberation movement.”

Speaking on the rationale behind his decision, Ajani cited a deep dissatisfaction with the current state of governance, which he characterized as being disconnected from the realities of the common man. He framed the "Òyó N' Pe Ọ́ Movement" as a direct response to the "entrenched status quo of self-serving leadership" that has allegedly prioritized the interests of a privileged few over the welfare of the masses. According to him, the alliance with Oriyomi Hamzat—a broadcaster known for his philanthropy and advocacy for the downtrodden—is designed to disrupt this narrative and return power to the people. He described the upcoming declaration as an "epoch-making" event that will mark the beginning of a mass mobilization effort to liberate Oyo indigenes from what he termed the “government of the oppressor.”

Drawing on his background as a former youth leader, Ajani placed the plight of the younger generation at the center of his political manifesto. He argued that the youth in Oyo State are facing an existential crisis characterized by soaring unemployment and a rising tide of social vices. He quoted alarming statistics, noting that youth unemployment in the state hovers around thirty-seven percent, a situation he linked directly to the escalating insecurity in the region. "Our young people deserve better—opportunities, empowerment, and hope for a brighter future," Ajani stated, positioning himself as the candidate best equipped to address these systemic failures due to his intimate understanding of youth dynamics.

The former aide further highlighted the correlation between economic idleness and the spike in crime and substance abuse. He referenced reports indicating that over 120,000 young people in the state are actively seeking employment without success, while cases of drug abuse have surged by twenty-five percent in the last three years. By bringing these issues to the fore, Ajani is attempting to craft a campaign narrative that resonates with the frustrations of the unemployed demographic, a voting bloc that could prove decisive in the 2027 polls. He pledged that the Accord Party, under this new alliance, would focus on job creation and social welfare reform to reverse these negative trends.

The partnership with Oriyomi Hamzat is particularly significant given the broadcaster's massive following and his reputation as a voice for justice. Hamzat’s endorsement and active participation in the "Òyó N' Pe Ọ́ Movement" provide Ajani with a powerful communication machinery capable of reaching the grassroots in a way that traditional political structures often struggle to do. This synergy between a seasoned political operative and a populist media figure creates a formidable "third force" that could complicate the calculations of the two major parties, the PDP and the APC, especially in the battleground of Oyo Central.

As the state awaits the grand declaration at Liberty Stadium, political analysts are watching closely to see if this defection will trigger a wave of cross-carpeting among other aggrieved PDP members. Ajani's exit from the government is a blow to the Makinde administration, signaling potential cracks in the governor’s political family. The Accord Party, which has historically played the role of a spoiler or kingmaker in Oyo politics, appears to be positioning itself once again as a credible alternative platform for those seeking to challenge the incumbent power structure.

Ultimately, Wale Ajani’s move forces a reconfiguration of the political chessboard in Oyo State. By articulating a clear message focused on youth empowerment and anti-elitism, and backing it with the popular appeal of Oriyomi Hamzat, he has effectively launched his 2027 campaign with momentum. The coming months will reveal whether this "liberation movement" can sustain its energy and translate crowd enthusiasm into electoral victories, but for now, the opposition landscape in Oyo State has undeniably become more competitive.