The political landscape in Oyo State witnessed another significant development recently as the founder of The GSMists, Hon. Yomi Olajide Royal Umbrella announced his decision to leave the PDP/APM alliance and formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Describing himself as a seasoned politician with over 40 years experience, Olajide said his decision was borne out of the conviction and desire to continue contributing meaningfully to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
“I am a mature politician that knows what is right for me at the right time, having spent 40 years in the trenches of politics. Without putting my followers and supporters in suspense, I wish to inform members of the public that my new political destination is the APC. At the appropriate time, I will officially join the party because there is freedom of association,” he stated.
As part of his political realignment, Hon. Olajide embarked on progressive-victory visit to prominent APC leaders across Oyo State. During his visit to former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja, and his subsequent visit to the member representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, Hon. Remi Abass Oseni, the leading APC stalwarts welcomed his decision and described his defection as a major boost to the party.
According to the APC leaders, Governor Seyi Makinde has “lost a great political asset” with the departure of Hon. Olajide, citing his decades of political experience, grassroots network, loyalty to genuine causes and the influence of the Royal Umbrella Cares movement as valuable additions to the APC’s growing strength ahead of the 2027 elections.
Leading other members of his team on a courtesy visit to the residence of Hon. Remi Abass Oseni to reaffirm his support for the lawmaker and the APC’s political structure in Oyo South Senatorial District while other processes continue to achieve victory for the APC in the 2027 elections, Hon. Olajide stressed that political actors, irrespective of party affiliation, share a common goal of serving the people, noting that the difference often lie in the party platforms and political interests rather than in the desire to deliver good governance.
He called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to record greater success beyond 2027. He also appealed for support and prayers for the APC Governorship candidate in Oyo State, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, expressing confidence that he would emerge victorious in the next gubernatorial election. He is confident that Barrister Alli will do well for the prosperity of the good people of Oyo State.
“We need prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed beyond 2027 by God’s grace. We also need prayers for APC Governorship candidate, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, to become the next Governor of Oyo State and other candidates emerge victoriously. May God spare our lives to witness the 2027 general election in good health,” he said.
