Former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni has officially returned to the All Progressives Congress, describing his decision as a homecoming driven by the broader interest of the people of the state. His re-registration into the ruling party has added a fresh dimension to Ekiti’s political landscape, particularly as parties intensify preparations ahead of the next governorship election.

Speaking shortly after completing his registration, Oni said his return to the APC was not impulsive but the result of careful reflection on Ekiti’s political future. According to him, sustaining peace, unity and development in the state requires collaboration beyond personal or partisan considerations.

“I have returned to APC to join hands with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and other stakeholders to further strengthen peace, unity and development in Ekiti State,” Oni said.

The former governor noted that political stability in Ekiti must be protected regardless of party affiliations. He added that he was encouraged by what he described as the inclusive style of governance adopted by the current administration and its focus on grassroots development.

APC sees political and organisational boost

Oni’s return was welcomed by party officials, who described it as a significant gain for the APC at both the strategic and grassroots levels. The Coordinator of the APC e-registration exercise in Ekiti State, Gold Adedayo, said the development had injected fresh momentum into the party’s ongoing membership drive.

According to Adedayo, Oni remains a respected political figure with influence that cuts across communities in the state. He said this would be an advantage as the party looks to consolidate its base ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

He described Oni’s decision to rejoin the APC as a major boost to the e-registration exercise, adding that it sends a strong signal to undecided voters and party supporters about the direction of the party in Ekiti.

Grassroots appeal highlighted by youth commissioner

The Commissioner for Youth Development, who was present at the registration, also underscored the political importance of Oni’s return. He said the former governor’s standing at the grassroots level aligns with the party’s current focus on expanding its membership and strengthening its base across wards and local governments.

“Today, we registered former governor Segun Oni as a member of our great party,” the commissioner said. “This significant political move will help the ongoing online registration of our members in Ekiti. When it comes to grassroots politics, former governor Oni is a respected individual. He is well loved at the grassroots and the intention of our registration is to attract more people into APC.”

He added that the presence of a high-profile figure like Oni at a crucial period for the party was a positive development, particularly as the APC prepares for future elections beyond the immediate governorship contest.

The commissioner also expressed satisfaction with the pace of the online registration exercise, saying the response so far suggested growing confidence in the party’s prospects.

“We are happy with the rate at which we are going in the online registration exercise and we know that APC is poised for greatness and victory as we look up to future elections,” he said.

A familiar political journey

Oni’s return to the APC marks another chapter in a long and eventful political career in Ekiti State. He previously served as governor and has been affiliated with different political platforms over the years, reflecting the fluid nature of party politics in the state.

Political analysts say his movement back to the APC reflects a broader trend in Ekiti, where alliances often shift in response to internal party dynamics, electoral calculations and perceptions of governance performance. According to observers, Oni’s emphasis on stability and continuity suggests a strategic alignment with the current administration rather than a purely personal decision.

A political science lecturer at Ekiti State University, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Oni’s return could help bridge divides within the APC while also appealing to voters who value experience and local influence.

“In Ekiti politics, personalities still matter a great deal,” the lecturer said. “Segun Oni has name recognition and grassroots connections. His return could help the APC consolidate support, especially in areas where loyalty to individuals is stronger than loyalty to parties.”

Why the timing matters

The timing of Oni’s re-registration is significant as political parties ramp up mobilisation ahead of the June 20 governorship election. While the APC currently controls the state government, maintaining internal cohesion and expanding membership remain key priorities.

Party insiders say the e-registration drive is designed not only to update membership records but also to energise supporters and attract new entrants, particularly young voters. Having a former governor publicly endorse the process is seen as a confidence booster for the exercise.

At the same time, Oni’s call for unity and cooperation suggests an effort to reduce factional tensions that have previously affected party performance in the state. Analysts note that internal disputes have cost parties votes in past elections, making reconciliation and inclusion critical in the months ahead.

Call for sustained mobilisation

Despite expressing optimism, the Commissioner for Youth Development warned party leaders against complacency. He urged APC leaders at all levels to intensify mobilisation efforts and ensure that the momentum generated by high-profile defections translates into tangible electoral support.

According to him, strengthening the party’s numerical strength at the grassroots requires sustained engagement, door-to-door mobilisation and consistent communication with voters about the party’s policies and achievements.

This message, observers say, reflects an understanding that political victories are not secured by symbolic moves alone but by continuous grassroots work.

As the governorship election approaches, attention is likely to focus on whether Oni plays an active role in campaigning and reconciliation within the APC. His ability to mobilise supporters and influence undecided voters could shape the dynamics of the race.

There is also the question of whether his return will trigger further defections or realignments from other parties, a common feature of Ekiti politics in the run-up to major elections.

For now, APC leaders appear keen to project unity and momentum, while Oni’s emphasis on peace and development signals an attempt to frame his decision as one rooted in public interest rather than personal ambition.

Segun Oni’s return to the All Progressives Congress adds weight to the party’s mobilisation efforts in Ekiti State at a politically sensitive moment. By aligning himself with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and endorsing the APC’s grassroots strategy, the former governor has positioned his move as a contribution to stability and development. Whether this translates into electoral advantage will depend on how effectively the party converts renewed enthusiasm into sustained support across the state.