The main opposition party in Ondo State, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Wednesday suffered defection ahead the forthcoming November 2024 governorship election.
Among the defectors were associates of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
Amingst them are two-time member of the House of Representatives and former governorship aspirant, Hon Victor Akinjo, Hon Joseph Akinlaja, former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Jumoke Akindele, a former Commissioner for Works and former running mate to Agboola Ajayi in the 2020 governorship election, former running mate to Eyitayo Jegede, Hon Gboluga Ikengboju and Chief Alaba Lad Ojomo.
They all defected to the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC.
Others were Engr Jide Adejuyigbe, Barr Tunde Atere, Hon Ebenezer Alabi, Hon Ajani Oladipo, Yeyeoge Funmilola Oluwadare, Com Solomon Adelegan, Com Femi Bosede, Chief Yele Ogundipe, Com Dayo Akinte, Dr Dapo Iwala, Mr Femi Ofakunrin, Mr Olumide Olugbebi, Ms Omowumi George, Mr Gbenga Aro, Alhaji Rauf Ogunsola, Ms Taiye Afilaka, Hon Adetimehin Badeji Jacob, Dr Felix Kehinde, Com Babatunde Sobande, Hon Idowu Ogunmade and Mr Olanrewaju Longe.
The former PDP members said they joined the APC to be part of the processes that would lead to the election of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa in the November governorship election.
They said they want to be part of an obvious effort to reposition the state on the path of continuous prosperity and peace as well as contribute to the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle challenges facing the country.
In the statement jointly released in Akure, the former PDP leaders said “We agree that our nation is facing some challenges that are as a result of cumulative errors of the past as well as direct unavoidable consequences of efforts to correct them by the current president.
“We, however, are firm in our belief that a committed dedication to the path of reforms as being pursued by the President will definitely take our country out of the woods. Hence our decision to be part of the solution rather than being part of the problem.
“We have in the past few days been mobilising our colleagues, friends, and associates to join the APC across the State and be part of the progress and development that our State and nation are headed for.
“We do not boast of any magic wand but are ready to commit time and energy to the growth and progress of the party we have chosen to join, a party that has consistently proved to be more open to new members and new ideas.”
