Former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), formally registering with the party on Sunday, January 11.
Oni, who governed the state between 2007 and 2010 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), completed his registration at his Ifaki Ekiti country home.
His defection was confirmed on Monday by Adesola Adedayo, the coordinator of the APC’s ongoing e-registration exercise in Ekiti State.
Adedayo, who also serves as the state Commissioner for Youth Development, described Oni’s registration as a major boost to the party’s mobilisation efforts.
He commended the former governor for joining the APC and participating in the electronic registration process.
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Oni was the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2022 election after leaving the PDP.
His return to mainstream party politics comes ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026, and amid broader political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development follows the release of the provisional list of candidates for the Ekiti governorship poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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The list, which was displayed at the commission’s office on New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, on December 29, features candidates from 12 political parties.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC is seeking re-election with Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye as his running mate.
Other parties listed include the African Action Congress, Accord Party, Action Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Action People’s Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, Allied People’s Movement, Labour Party, Young Progressive Party, People’s Redemption Party and the Zenith Labour Party.
Notably, the names of the PDP governorship candidate, Wole Oluyede, and his running mate were not in the provisional list released by INEC.
Oni’s defection has further intensified political activities in the state as parties position themselves ahead of the forthcoming election.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
