The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo state has welcomed over 2000 defectors from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) ahead of the November governorship election.

The party’s chairman, Ade Adetimehin, said the APC would win the election by a landslide, as the PDP had become a carcass in the state.

He assured the defectors that they would be treated equally in the party and urged them to display their capacity in the APC.

“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,” he said.

“Having come to APC, there is no founder no joiner. We will treat you equally in our wards and local government. Come and display your capacity in the APC.”

“We’re sure that by the grace of God, we’ll win the November governorship election by a landslide.”

A boost for the incumbent governor

The mass defection is seen as a boost for the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is seeking a second term in office.

Adetimehin said the governor would continue to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people of the state and prioritise their welfare.

“We want to assure our people in the state that the government wouldn’t rest on its oars, their welfare would continue to be prioritised,” he said.

He also thanked the people of the state for the confidence reposed in the party and the ruling government, promising that “we won’t disappoint our people.”

The defectors’ voices

Some of the prominent defectors include a former House of Representatives candidate, Dare Aliu, a senatorial aspirant, Dr Felder Olatunji Adeoye, Hon Prince Olu Falolu, Hon Ayodele Ikumawoyi, Pastor Olatunde Felix, Chief Pius Akinrinmola, Hon Isaac Olaleye, Alhaji Adebayo Oyewumi, Hon Yele Akinya, Chief Akinmoye Ajewole, Allen Sowore, and General Adegborioye Sunday.

Others were Chief Ayekomilogbon Tayo, Mrs. Toyin Akindele, Com. Akinmade Babatunde, Mrs Taju Mopinola, Hon Tony Ala, Deputy leader PDP Leader’s Forum, Hon Dele Faboro, Comrade Ajisafe Omobumi, Mr Olusegun Samuel, Mr Adeyeye Micheal, Hon Ademola Elegbe, Alh Jimoh Ibrahim, Hon Adeolu Adeniran, Comrade Femi and Hon Rotimi A. Akindejoye, among others.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dare Aliu said he joined the APC despite the economic hardship because he knew prosperity would soon come to the country.

Also, a former PDP lawmaker, Tomide Akinribido, said they were in the PDP to ensure total victory for the APC in the November governorship polls.

“We will work to ensure victory. It is landslide victory in Ondo West. I will promote cohesion within the party. We will work and cooperate with our leaders. We will work according to the dictates of the party,” he said.

A hopeful future for Ondo state

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced November 16, 2024 as the date for the election.

The APC is confident that it will retain power in the state, while the PDP is hopeful that it will reclaim the state from the ruling party.

The people of Ondo state are looking forward to a peaceful, free and fair election that will reflect their will and aspirations.

Source: Vanguard