Feb 16 • 19:55 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Oyo PDP lawmaker defects to ADC

Dawood Olalere, a lawmaker from Oyo State, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress due to internal divisions within the PDP.

Dawood Olalere, who represents the Ibadan North-West State Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly, officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on February 13, 2026, to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His resignation letter, addressed to the Chairman of Ward 7, PDP, highlights his discontent with what he terms a 'long lingering and unresolvable division' within the PDP that has led him to seek an alternative party affiliation. Olalere's departure marks a significant shift within the political landscape of Oyo State, showcasing the ongoing challenges that the PDP faces in maintaining unity among its members.

The PUNCH also mentions that Olalere's move follows a similar resignation from the PDP by former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Agboola Ayoola, who left the party in October 2025 due to personal and political disagreements. Ayoola's resignation, along with Olalere's, reflects a growing trend of discontent within the PDP ranks, suggesting deeper issues that could impact the party's overall strength and cohesion in the region. Political analysts might view this trend as indicative of potential electoral challenges for the PDP in future elections, as defections can lead to a loss of support and may embolden rival parties like the ADC.

The ramifications of these political shifts within Oyo State underscore the importance of unity and internal party discipline in the lead-up to upcoming elections. As parties like the ADC capitalize on the discontent within the PDP, it could reshape the political dynamics in Oyo State, offering new opportunities for former party members to redefine their political careers and pursue alignments that reflect their ideological beliefs. This development reinforces the fluid nature of party politics in Nigeria, where defections can signal broader electoral trends and voter sentiments.

📡 Similar Coverage