Prominent Oyo State politician and former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has resigned from Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with immediate effect.

In a formal letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Ward 1 in Ona Ara Local Government Area, Ibadan, and dated Monday, Akinjide said her decision followed “a long period of personal reflection.” She had been a member of the party since 2001.

“I hereby formally give you notice of my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately,” the letter reads. “This decision was not taken lightly… I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a member of the party and for the experiences and relationships built during my time.”

Akinjide, a lawyer who holds degrees from the University of London and Harvard University, is a well-known PDP chieftain in Oyo State. She previously served as Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory and was the party’s candidate for the Oyo Central Senatorial District in 2011.

Political observers in the state believe her exit from the PDP is likely to be followed by a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oyo State has witnessed a steady stream of defections from the PDP to the APC in recent months, as politicians reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. In January, the APC formally received more than 50,000 defectors from the PDP, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and other smaller parties in the state, citing the federal government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Similar high-profile defections have also occurred across the South-West. Last month, five PDP members of Nigeria’s National Assembly from Osun State including senators and members of the House of Representatives—defected to the APC.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, a PDP stalwart, recently dismissed rumours of his own defection and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to contesting the 2027 elections under its platform.

Akinjide’s resignation letter made no reference to her future political plans. She, however, thanked the PDP for the platform it provided “for political office and engagement” and wished the party continued success.