ABEOKUTA — In a significant political shift, Honourable Rasheed Kashamu, the member representing Ijebu-North State Constituency and former Minority Whip of the Ogun State House of Assembly, has formally defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, read Kashamu’s defection letter during Wednesday’s plenary session. In the letter, the lawmaker cited “irreconcilable differences” and deep divisions within the PDP at both state and national levels as the primary reasons for his departure.
Kashamu attributed his move to the factional disputes and unresolved leadership crises plaguing the PDP nationally, as well as leadership tussles at the state level. He stated that his decision was made in consultation with leaders and supporters in his constituency.
“After a review of the current state of affairs… I have agreed with my leaders and teeming supporters that we should move en masse into the APC,” the letter read. He expressed his intent to bring his “winning formula” from Ijebu-North to support Governor Dapo Abiodun’s “Iseya Agenda” and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The lawmaker confirmed that he has already registered with the APC at his ward in Oke Sopen, Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area.
The defection was marked by a formal reception at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Kashamu was welcomed by fellow lawmakers, led by the Speaker, in the presence of his wife, uncle, and other well-wishers.
In a separate development, the Assembly has received a letter from Governor Dapo Abiodun requesting the confirmation of Mr Abdul Najeem Olayinka as the new Auditor-General for Local Governments. This follows the retirement of the immediate-past holder of the office, Mr Lamidi Mulero.
Speaker Elemide directed the nominee to appear for screening before the House on Wednesday, 17th December, 2025, by 12 noon. Mr Olayinka is also required to submit 30 copies each of his Curriculum Vitae and credentials by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 16th December.
