Numerous members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Ondo State have made a significant move by defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The official ceremony marking the defection took place at the APC secretariat in Akure, the state capital, on Wednesday. Notable leaders of the defectors include former state House of Assembly member Mr. Tomide Akinribido, former House of Representatives candidate of the PDP Mr. Dare Aliu, Dr. Felder Olatunji, Olu Falolu, Ayodele Ikumawoyi, Pastor Olatunde Felix, and Chief Pius Akinrinmola, among others.
The state chairman of the Ondo APC, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, expressed that the defection has further weakened the PDP’s influence, emphasizing that eminent figures in the PDP have now aligned themselves with the progressive agenda. He highlighted that the PDP’s standing in the state has significantly diminished, with many of their key members defecting to the ruling APC.
In his words, “We just received the remaining pillars in Ondo PDP. The PDP is now a carcass in Ondo State. In Ondo APC, the party and the government are one. We work together in one accord. Having come to APC, there is no founder, no joiner. We will treat you equally in our wards and local governments. Come and display your capacity in the APC.”
Adetimehin also congratulated the defectors on their move, assuring them of fair and equal treatment within the APC. In response, one of the defectors and former PDP lawmaker, Tomide Akinribido, pledged to devote efforts towards securing victory for the APC in the upcoming governorship poll. Akinribido emphasized the commitment to fostering unity within the party and collaborating closely with its leadership.
