From Activist to "APC Member": The Sunday Igboho Defection Saga Sparks National Outrage

Sunday Igboho

The Nigerian political landscape has been set ablaze following viral reports and visual evidence (video ) suggesting that Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo (popularly known as Sunday Igboho), has officially aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Once a fierce champion of secessionist ideals who faced a brutal 2021 crackdown and years of exile, Igboho was recently spotted donning full APC-branded regalia, including a cap and t-shirt, at the Oyo State APC congress.

​Videos and photos circulating across X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram show the former "freedom fighter" mingling with party supporters, a sight that has triggered a wave of condemnation and mockery online. Social media accounts, such as @OduduwaR have labeled the move "shameless gallivanting," accusing Igboho of abandoning the struggle for Yoruba autonomy to "dine with those who impoverished the people." 

​From Exile to "Renewed Hope"

​This dramatic shift follows Igboho’s return to Nigeria in late January 2026, a homecoming made possible after his name was removed from the government's wanted list. At the time, Igboho publicly expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, as well as traditional rulers like the Olubadan, for their intervention in his legal troubles. Since his return, he has notably softened his rhetoric, frequently commending the Tinubu administration and praising high-profile federal appointments.

​While neither Igboho nor the APC leadership has released an official statement confirming his formal membership, the visuals suggest a deep-seated alignment ahead of future elections. To his critics, this is a ultimate betrayal of the blood shed during the Yoruba Nation protests; to his supporters, it may be seen as a pragmatic reconciliation necessary for his personal survival and regional relevance.

​The episode serves as a stark reminder of the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where today’s radical revolutionary can easily become tomorrow’s party loyalist. As the reactions continue to pour in, the nation is left asking: Is this the end of Sunday Igboho’s era of activism, or is this a calculated move to influence the system from within?

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