Thousands of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including supporters of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, have defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defectors, led by Ajiboye Sangogade of the Boye Nation and JAF Movement, formally joined the APM on Monday during a mega concert held at the Open Tennis Court of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The group was drawn from several local government areas across the state, with the event combining political activities with musical performances and other entertainment.

Receiving the defectors, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said the development demonstrated growing support for the APM in the state.

Makinde urged the APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, to direct his campaign towards convincing voters to support his candidacy rather than focusing on criticism of his administration.

He also criticised Alli over comments concerning the use of diesel-powered generators to operate some streetlights in the state, linking the issue to the Federal Government's efforts to address Nigeria's electricity challenges.

The governor said the APM would present former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Makinde described Adekanmbi as a professional accountant and urged residents to compare the candidates and their records as the election approaches.

The governor also expressed confidence in the APM's prospects in the 2027 elections, saying the party had received support from people across the state.

The development comes amid increasing political realignment in Oyo State, where several parties are already mobilising ahead of the governorship election and other contests scheduled for 2027.