Why Ex-LG Chairman, Adedayo Leaving APC For PDP Is Causing Beyond Ordinary Ripples In Ogun

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State is experiencing intense reactions, particularly among its top shots in Ogun East.

Ogun East is the political base of Governor Dapo Abiodun and the second most powerful person in his administration, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Tokunbo Talabi.

Wale Adedayo, the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, who was removed from office after accusing Governor Abiodun of diverting ₦10.8 billion in council funds, has left the APC and joined its formidable rival, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Adedayo is aiming to regain his position on the platform of the PDP, a party that almost won the last gubernatorial election in Ogun State and had a strong showing in the region, winning House of Assembly seats in the process.

This development has triggered widespread reactions, particularly because both Adedayo and the PDP have deep roots in the area. There is growing concern that the PDP may gain significant traction, further threatening the APC’s hold on power in Ogun State.

Before his removal following the publicized dispute with Governor Abiodun over alleged misappropriation of council funds, Adedayo wielded considerable influence among Ogun State’s local government chairmen.

Much of the concern within the APC stems from the possibility that Adedayo, if successful in regaining his position under the PDP banner, could leverage the autonomy recently granted to local governments to influence political dynamics further.

On the other hand, Adedayo’s return to the PDP is seen as a bold “homecoming” by his people.

He had previously campaigned passionately for Governor Abiodun’s emergence as the APC gubernatorial candidate in 2019 and played a significant role in his election and re-election in March 2023 before their fallout in August/September 2023.

Adedayo’s move back to the PDP returns him to the political platform that first gave him prominence in Ogun State. He served as Chief Press Secretary under former two-term governor Gbenga Daniel, who is now the Senator representing Ogun East under the APC. Daniel, who governed Ogun State from May 29, 2003, to May 29, 2011, was a chieftain of the PDP during his tenure.

During his time as governor, Daniel gave trusted aides, including Adedayo, opportunities to build political clout in their bases and across the state. Adedayo benefited from this opportunity and used it to build his political profile, later playing a key role in Governor Abiodun’s rise to power.

Known by the nickname “Babalawo” due to his strong identification with culture, custom, and tradition, Adedayo now appears more determined than ever to demonstrate his political strength. He is poised to make a significant impact, much to the dismay of APC figures who had thought they had contained his influence.

Adedayo’s return to the PDP comes after what he describes a political maneuver as a  local government chairman aspirant on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). He has implied that this move made his political opponents “let their guard down.”