Jumoke Akinjide returns to politics, backs Tinubu and Oyo APC candidate Alli

Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, a former minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory, is returning to active politics and has thrown her weight behind President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for governor in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli.

The announcement was made on her behalf by her special assistant, Olatundun Leke Gabriel, a former chief of staff to the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. According to the statement, she is leaving the PDP/APM alliance to line up with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Gabriel thanked her supporters across Oyo State and beyond for standing by her over the years, and asked them to stay united as she resumes political activities. He said more instructions and engagements would follow in due course.

In the statement, Akinjide tied her return to Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and to the plans of Alli, the APC's governorship candidate in the state. One line in the statement read: "Jumoke is coming – Renewed Hope 2027."

Why it matters in Oyo

Oyo is one of the big battleground states in the South West, and support from figures like Akinjide can help a party pull in local networks, especially in Ibadan, where she has long been a known name. For ordinary voters, the real test will be what the parties promise on jobs, security and the cost of living as the 2027 campaigns gather pace.

Akinjide served as minister of state for the FCT under President Goodluck Jonathan. Her return adds another former PDP figure to the list of politicians moving toward the APC before the next general election.

What happens next

According to the statement, further directives and engagements will be announced later. Supporters were asked to remain steadfast, united and prayerful as the 2027 campaigns take shape.