With just three months left before the governorship election in Ondo State, a significant number of over 12,000 members of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state have formally declared their departure to the Peoples Democratic Party.
This development follows closely after 29 aides and associates of a former governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, announced their switch from the PDP to the ruling party.
During a reception for the defectors in Ondo town, Ondo State on Monday, the candidate of the PDP in the upcoming November 16 governorship poll, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, appealed to leaders and members of the PDP to collaborate and integrate the new members to ensure success for the party in the forthcoming poll.
In his address, Ajayi emphasized, “As we welcome these members, I urge our leaders, especially in Ondo West Local Government, to embrace them and work closely with them for our triumph on November 16. We must unite our efforts and secure victory for the PDP on that crucial day.
“I want to convey to the people of Ondo State that I am fully prepared to serve them if they provide the necessary support in the November election. I understand the challenges facing our people. I have served as former chairman, former House of Representatives member, and former deputy governor in the state.
“I possess the requisite experience and qualifications to guide the affairs of Ondo State towards a brighter future. Therefore, we must stand together and strive for success in the November 16 election.”
Addressing the gathering, one of the leaders among the defectors and former APC senatorial aspirant, Mr. Adeniran Oyebade, pledged his commitment to work for the PDP and support Ajayi’s bid to become the next governor of the state. He revealed that he and the other 12,000 members in the Ondo West Local Government area were eager to rally behind the PDP.
Explaining their decision to exit the APC, Oyebade cited the party’s alleged lack of a development agenda for the state.
“I spent over nine years in the APC, including significant financial contributions like paying N20 million for party forms and other donations at the local government, state, and federal levels, yet there was no acknowledgment or reward.
“At this juncture, myself and the other 12,000 supporters have embarked on a journey with the PDP and Agboola Ajayi to rescue Ondo State from the grip of oppressive and corrupt leaders,” Oyebade asserted.