In a blow to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, the party has witnessed a wave of defections to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
The latest defections occurred in Akure South Ward 3, where a team of APC leaders and members led by Mr. Ben Orimoloye joined the PDP on Saturday. This comes after similar defections were reported in the Ilaje and Ese Odo local government areas of the state.
The new PDP members were received by the party’s gubernatorial candidate, His Excellency Agboola Ajayi, who was assured of their total loyalty and commitment to the PDP’s “rescue mission” in Ondo State.
Speaking in Akure, the defectors expressed their belief that “the liberation of the nation will start from Ondo State” and declared that the APC is “finished” in the state. They cited the economic hardship in Nigeria as the reason for their decision to leave the APC, stating that the party “is no longer serving the interests of Ondo State people vis-à-vis Nigerians.”
Welcoming the new PDP members, Ajayi said their decision to join the party was a confirmation of their belief in the PDP’s mission to rescue Ondo State from its “current voyage without a direction.” Hon. Ikantu Peretei, on the other hand, urged the defectors to ensure that their aim of leaving the APC is not defeated and to work within legal means to ensure the PDP takes over the reins of power in the state in the upcoming election.
The wave of defections from the APC to the PDP in Ondo State is seen as a significant blow to the ruling party’s hold on the state and a boost for the opposition’s chances in the gubernatorial election.