The reported defection of former Agege Local Government Chairman, Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has been described as a development that will lead to increase the votes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege.
The Director General of the Oluwagbenga Michael Abiola Campaign Organization, Sola Osolana, who said this while reacting to the development, maintained that Egunjobi’s political relevance has largely been built on the strength of the party structure he operated under, rather than genuine personal popularity among residents.
“Egunjobi’s defection to APM will increase APC votes in Agege. Residents don’t like him,” Osolana stated.
Speaking on the political implications of the reported defection, the Director General drew a sharp distinction between Egunjobi’s political influence and the grassroots acceptance enjoyed by Hon. Gbenga Abiola, popularly known as Agbelebu, who is the APC House of Assembly candidate for Agege Constituency 1.
“Agbelebu is ten times more popular and loved by residents,” Osolana said.
According to him, while Egunjobi benefited from the established party machinery, Agbelebu has built a relationship with the people that extend beyond party structures and political offices.
Osolana argued that political relevance should not be measured solely by access to party machinery or the influence of political structures, but also by the depth of a politician’s relationship with the people.
He maintained that Agbelebu’s growing grassroots presence, accessibility and direct engagement with residents represent a different form of political connection, one he believes is stronger than the influence attributed to Egunjobi.
Recall that Egunjobi aspired for the Agege 1 House of Assembly ticket, after failing to get the ticket for Agege Federal Constituency seat, which was conceded to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashitu Obasa, but was defeated in the party primary by Abiola who was his vice Chairman in the local government
The reported movement of Egunjobi to the APM has generated discussions among political stakeholders in Agege, with attention focused on the implications for party support and grassroots politics.
Osolana’s position is that the defection could strengthen the APC by removing a political figure he believes was dependent on the party structure for his influence.
Agbelebu, a former Sole Administrator of Agege Local Government and former Vice Chairman of the council, has continued his engagements across Agege Constituency 01 ahead of the 2027 elections.
