Breaking News: Ladi Adebutu’s PDP Galacticos Led By Alhaja Serifat Iyabode Jimoh Officially Joins APC
By Oludare Joshua
In a significant political development, an heavyweight political icon and famous politician Alhaja Serifat Iyabode Jimoh, widely known as Iya Sakiru, a prominent three-term chairperson of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 6, Sagamu, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). The transition took place on September 26, 2025, during the weekly APC Ward 6 meeting held at the Party Secretariat located on Safi Alamala Street, Baruwa, area of Sagamu Local Government, Ogun State, attended by a large gathering of party faithful and notable figures.
Iya Sakiru, who served three consecutive terms as the PDP Ward 6 chairperson over a span of 12 years before defecting to the ruling party, APC, is renowned for her influential leadership and commitment to the party. Her influential leadership and strategic approach has historically ensured victories for the PDP across her polling unit in Alagbo Primary School and the broader Ward 6 in general. This move is viewed as a significant gain for the APC, especially during an important election cycle. Known for her robust loyalty, commitment and strong support for Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu (LADO), Iya Sakiru has built a reputation as a vital political actor in Sagamu.
The defection was facilitated through the efforts of Alhaja Abimbola Awofeso, a prominent leader within the APC, who skillfully and respectfully canvassed Iya Sakiru and her followers to join the APC during the recent 2025 House of Representatives by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency, held on August 25, 2025.
The meeting, chaired by the Ward 6 party chairman, celebrated this pivotal transition, with a keynote address highlighting the significance of welcoming such a formidable leader into the ruling party. He commended Iya Sakiru for her contributions in the PDP and welcomed her into the APC with open arms. “We are thrilled to have you on board. Your leadership will undoubtedly help us in our collective goal of advancing the vision of our esteemed Governor, Dapo Abiodun,” he stated.
In her address, Alhaja Awofeso expressed profound gratitude to God and the contributions and support of the party’s leadership for the successful transition of Iya Sakiru to the APC. She welcomed the new member warmly, commending Iya Sakiru as a prominent and influential figure, and emphasizing her extensive political network, while also harnessing her political acumen and her potential weight to add immense value to the party, APC, and in total support of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Ogun East 2027 Senatorial ambition, and developmental vision for Ogun State.
Representing the Sagamu APC Party Chairman, Pa. Rafiu Opaleye, Sagamu APC Secretary Mr. Sulaimon Oyegunle, praised the efforts of Alhaja Awofeso in orchestrating this strategic move and applauded the support made by Ward 6 leaders to bring Iya Sakiru into the APC fold and assured her that she was joining a unified family committed to progress. “We see your presence as a plus, not rivalry,” he stated, encouraging party leaders, elders, executives and members to embrace the new members and collaborate for the advancement of the party, while reiterated the need for unity among party members and a collective push towards progress.
The Sagamu APC women leader, Alhaja Rukayat Ogunnubi (Yoboro), also extended a warm welcome to Iya Sakiru, urging all women in the party to rally together and move the APC forward, framing this transition as a celebration rather than an antagonistic shift.
Comr. (Alhaji) Isiaka Salami, the Executive Vice Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, who ably represented the Sagamu Local Government Executive Chairman, Ogbeni Afolabi Odulate, commended Alhaja Awofeso for her effective leadership and noted that this new alliance signals a strong commitment to the party’s future. He reaffirmed the importance of uniting behind Governor Abiodun’s agenda for good governance and urged party members to prioritize PVC registration to enhance democratic participation.
In her response, Iya Sakiru expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception, declaring her intent to fully embrace APC values and utilize the zeal she brought from the PDP to propel the party’s vision. Emphasizing her disillusionment with the PDP which she referred to as a wasted opportunities devoid of tangible success, Iya Sakiru underscored her decision to join the APC was influenced by Alhaja Awofeso who she regarded as a tactical politician and visionary leader, and also majorly on the favorable governance and meaningful developmental strides Ogun State is witnessing under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, which she spoke highly of during her speech, stating that it is only in APC, people can see real potential for positive change and development in our community and beyond. She therefore, called on others still in the PDP to consider joining the APC, describing the party as the only viable platform capable of pushing the nation forward.
The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of local dignitaries and party members, all eager to witness this significant moment in Sagamu politics, underscoring the APC’s growing influence and the shifting political landscape in the region, marking a momentous occasion as Iya Sakiru and her followers officially transitioned into the APC. With this significant defection, the APC in Ward 6 is poised for greater political influence and synergy as it prepares for future electoral contests. As Iya Sakiru embarks on this new chapter, the APC looks forward to leveraging her extensive experience and popularity to further strengthen its grassroots base.
