In a significant political shift ahead of Ondo State’s governorship election, approximately 12,000 members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This development follows a recent defection of 29 aides and associates of former governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko from the PDP to the APC.
Welcome Address and Election Preparations
The PDP’s governorship candidate, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, welcomed the defectors in Ondo town on Monday. Ajayi called on PDP leaders and members, particularly in Ondo West Local Government, to embrace the new members and work together towards achieving electoral success on November 16. He emphasized his readiness to lead the state, citing his previous roles as chairman, House of Representatives member, and deputy governor.
Ajayi urged unity within the PDP and stressed his experience and commitment to improving Ondo State.
Defector’s Perspective
Mr. Adeniran Oyebade, a former APC senatorial aspirant and leader among the defectors, expressed his dissatisfaction with the APC’s performance and lack of development plans for the state. Oyebade highlighted his substantial financial contributions to the APC and lamented the lack of recognition or rewards. He and the 12,000 new PDP members, particularly from Ondo West Local Government, are now committed to supporting Ajayi and the PDP in their bid to govern the state.
Oyebade criticized the APC for alleged mismanagement and corruption, framing their move to the PDP as a rescue mission to bring positive change to Ondo State.
Summary
The mass defection of APC members to the PDP marks a critical moment in Ondo State’s political landscape, potentially shifting the dynamics of the upcoming governorship election. With the PDP’s newly strengthened base and Ajayi’s experienced leadership, the political battle for Ondo State is set to intensify as November approaches.