The Peoples Democratic Party candidate for Ibadan North-East State Constituency 2 in the 2027 general elections, Hammed Ademola, has abandoned his ticket and joined the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State.

Ademola, popularly known as Lucky, made the move on Friday alongside an Accord Party aspirant for the same constituency, Adedapo Ojo, with more than 3,000 supporters reportedly joining the APC.

Ademola said his decision was influenced by what he described as the political realities in Oyo State after assessing the prospects of the various parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said he had concluded that candidates contesting outside the APC would struggle to make significant progress in the election.

“We are here in our hundreds to join the APC formally, and we promise to do our best in the interest of the progressive party and our dear country, Nigeria,” he said.

Ojo also criticised his former platform, saying efforts to establish Accord as a credible alternative in the state had not produced the expected results.

He said the decision to join the APC followed an assessment that the party was better positioned ahead of the 2027 elections.

The defectors were received by the Oyo State APC Chairman, Moses Alake-Adeyemo, who assured them of equal opportunities within the party and urged them to work for the success of its candidates in the 2027 elections.

The party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, also welcomed the new members and said their movement to the APC was an indication of growing political support for the party.

Alli promised an inclusive administration if elected, while outlining plans covering workers’ welfare, technology hubs and healthcare infrastructure across the state.