By Aderogba George, News Agency of Nigeria, Abuja.

Former aide to Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Mr Wale Ajani, has announced his defection to the Accord Party.

Ajani made the announcement in a statement he signed and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

He said he had recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ajani, who is the immediate past Director-General of the Oyo State Government Liaison Offices in Abuja and Lagos, said he would be joining forces with a broadcaster and activist, Mr Oriyomi Hamzat, under the Òyó N’ Pe Ọ́ Movement.

According to him, the group will formally declare for the Accord Party on Jan. 17 at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.

He said the event was expected to attract over 30,000 supporters from across Oyo State, with more than one million people projected to watch the declaration online.

“This declaration marks the beginning of a mass mobilisation movement aimed at returning governance to the people and disrupting the entrenched status quo of self-serving leadership,” Ajani said.

He said his decision was driven by his understanding of the challenges confronting young people in the state, drawing from his experience as a former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

“As a former President of the NYCN, I have witnessed firsthand the immense challenges facing our youths, ranging from soaring unemployment to rising crime and drug abuse,” he said.

Ajani said youth unemployment in Oyo State stood at about 37 per cent, contributing to growing insecurity and social vices.

“Reports indicate that over 120,000 young people in the state are actively seeking jobs, while cases of substance abuse and related crimes have increased by 25 per cent in the past three years,” he added.

He said the Accord Party, in alliance with Hamzat and the Òyó N’ Pe Ọ́ Movement, was committed to restoring hope, creating jobs and ensuring inclusive governance.

“There will be no more government of the oppressor, for the rich and by the rich. We are determined to build a system that works for everyone, not just a privileged few,” Ajani said.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA