Crisis Hits Oyo PDP as Reps Member, Adebayo Adepoju ‘Ibarapa Kan’ Resigns

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has been hit by a major defection as the lawmaker representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, officially resigned his membership of the party.

The lawmaker, popularly known as “Ibarapa Kan,” announced his decision in a letter dated May 5, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of PDP Ward 4, Isale Penbo, in Igbo-Ora. Adepoju cited unresolved internal conflicts that have ravaged the party across the “Pacesetter State” and within his constituency over the past few months as the primary reason for his exit.

Adepoju, who secured his seat in the 2023 general elections, expressed regret that the crisis rocking the party has created a deep crack in its leadership, thereby hindering his ability to effectively serve the people of his constituency. He noted that the PDP was more than just a political platform to him, highlighting that his father, the late Asiwaju of Igbo-Ora, Dr. Amos Ademola Adepoju, was a founding father of the party and a former National Financial Secretary.

Despite his historical ties to the party, the lawmaker maintained that his resignation was a necessary step to allow him to focus on the mandate given to him by his constituents. While acknowledging that the move might be received with mixed reactions by his supporters at home and abroad, he assured his followers that his next political destination would be communicated in due course. This development has further intensified concerns over the internal stability of the ruling party in Oyo State.