Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Olajumoke Akinjide, a veteran Nigerian politician and former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), bringing to a close more than two decades of affiliation with the party.
Akinjide submitted her resignation in a letter dated March 30, 2026, addressed to the ward chairman in Ward 1, Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State. In the letter, she stated that her resignation takes immediate effect and described the decision as deeply considered, noting that she had been a PDP member since 2001. She said her choice followed a long period of personal reflection and thanked the party for the opportunities and experiences it afforded her over the years.
The move is widely seen as part of shifting political currents across Nigeria as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections. Akinjide’s departure from the PDP comes amid a period of internal reconfigurations within the party and wider political realignments, particularly in the southwest region.
A lawyer by training and a seasoned public official, Akinjide’s political career spans several decades. She served as Minister of State for the FCT between 2011 and 2015, where she was involved in aspects of governance and policy coordination for Nigeria’s capital territory. Prior to that, she held advisory roles in the Federal Government and was active in party and civic structures. Her lengthy tenure in elective and appointed positions made her a recognizable figure within the PDP and Nigerian politics broadly.
In the aftermath of her resignation, close associates indicate that Akinjide is expected to align with a different political platform. Sources familiar with her plans say discussions are underway with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party at the federal level, although no formal announcement of her new political affiliation has been made.
The context of Akinjide’s resignation reflects broader challenges and recalibrations within the PDP. In recent months, the party has experienced internal tensions, factional disputes, and leadership struggles in various states. While the PDP’s national executive remains in place, observers say internal dynamics and competing interests have prompted some senior figures to reassess their positions ahead of future electoral contests.
In Oyo State, where Akinjide is based, there has already been a notable flow of political movements, with several politicians realigning with the APC or other parties. Analysts suggest that her departure could influence local political calculations, particularly if she formally joins the APC or another major political formation. Her stature and network in the region are seen as potentially valuable to any party seeking to bolster its influence in the southwest.
Reactions to the resignation have been mixed. Supporters and admirers of Akinjide praised her for her long service and dedication to public life, highlighting her contributions to governance and political engagement. Meanwhile, some PDP loyalists expressed regret at her decision but maintained confidence in the party’s ability to remain resilient and competitive.
Political commentators say Akinjide’s resignation underscores the fluid nature of party affiliations in Nigeria’s multiparty system, where strategic moves by seasoned politicians often signal broader shifts ahead of elections. With the 2027 general elections drawing nearer, defections and resignations by senior figures are increasingly seen as part of the strategic groundwork being laid by political actors.
As of now, Akinjide has not publicly disclosed which party she will join next, though interest is growing across political circles about her future plans. Her next steps are expected to be closely watched, given her experience, influence, and profile in Nigerian politics.
Her resignation marks a notable moment in her political journey and in the broader narrative of party realignments, highlighting how longstanding affiliations are being reconsidered in an evolving political landscape.
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