Engineer Popoola Olukayode Joshua (POJ), the 2023 gubernatorial candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Oyo State, is poised to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), barring any last-minute changes.
POJ, a former Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, was previously a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until 2022, before switching to NNPP with the goal of challenging the re-election of Governor Seyi Makinde.
However, sources close to the politician suggest that he is now preparing to align with the APC as part of the party’s strategy to reclaim Oyo State in the 2027 elections.
While no formal announcement has been made, POJ was recently seen at a state function at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he engaged APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
His associates have confirmed that Oyo APC Chairman, Alhaji Moshood Olayide Abas, is eager for POJ to join the party and support efforts to unseat the PDP in the upcoming elections.
The APC national leadership, led by Ganduje, has called for unified efforts across the country to prioritize the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, alongside plans to regain control of Oyo State.
During a meeting with Oyo APC stakeholders, Ganduje stressed the need for party unity and grassroots mobilization to secure both objectives.
