By Jubril Bada
A coalition of former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Action Alliance (AA), under the umbrella of the Nigeria Workstation and the Sunshine Grassroots Network, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, pledging total commitment to the progressive fold.
Speaking at the Mega Defection Rally held at the City Hall in Akure, the group’s spokesperson and former PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Peretei, said their decision was born out of the conviction that politics is only meaningful when it leads to participation in governance.
Quoting the renowned political scientist Harold Lasswell’s definition of politics as “who gets what, when and how,” Peretei added that politics without access to governance amounts to a mere social club.
“We do not mean Nigeria should be a one-party state. But when the opposition is not deliberate, coordinated, or focused on winning elections and forming government, then there’s no justification for being in opposition,” he said.
This was contained in a statement made available to The Hope by the spokesperson on behalf of the defectors, Mr. Peretei.
The group explained that their merger with the APC was a strategic step to align with a party that has demonstrated capacity for leadership, inclusivity, and delivery of democratic dividends.
“Today, those of us in the Nigeria Workstation — a grassroots media advocacy, research and strategy group — together with members of the Sunshine Grassroots Network, have decided to join forces with the progressive family,” he declared to a cheering crowd.
Reacting to recent criticisms that President Bola Tinubu was attempting to impose a one-party system on Nigeria, the group said the President’s response, “It is not my business to organise the opposition,” was both fair and factual.
“From today, there is only one party in Ondo State, which is the APC. Perhaps from the graveyard there may be one or two shrill sounds, but such are mere echoes,” Peretei added.
They noted that the gathering represented only a fraction of their overall support base, pledging that the political significance of the defection would be evident in the next general election.
The group expressed appreciation to the Ondo State APC Chairman, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, for his warm reception and assurances of equal opportunities within the party. They also lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his encouragement throughout the build-up to the ceremony.
Special recognition was given to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whom they described as “the Star Boy of the Tinubu Administration,” for his unwavering support.
Others appreciated included Ambassador Sola Iji, former Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, and several APC stakeholders — Dr. Tob Loko, Hon. Commissioner for Environment; High Chief Ebi Molos; High Chief J.M. Magi; High Chief P.M.S. Olopele; Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube; and Chief Matthew Oyerinmade (MATO) for their solidarity and goodwill.
“We see this as an endorsement which we are not taking for granted,” the group concluded.
The defection, which drew a large crowd of party faithful and supporters, further consolidates the APC’s political dominance in Ondo State ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Receiving hundreds of defectors from opposition parties into the ruling party, the State Chairman of the APC, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, assured them of equal opportunities and full integration.
Speaking while receiving the new members on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and the State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Adetimehin described the APC as a “broad family with room enough to accommodate everyone willing to join hands for the progress of Ondo State and Nigeria.”
He commended the defectors for their “bold and wise decision” to align with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which he said has already begun to yield visible results across the country.
“The APC under President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated genuine commitment to national renewal through massive infrastructural development and economic reforms.
“Ondo State has been a direct beneficiary, and it is only right that our people rally behind this administration to ensure the good works continue,” Adetimehin stated.
The state chairman also assured the new members that they would enjoy equal rights and privileges within the party, emphasising that the APC values loyalty, service, and dedication above all else.
“In our party, there are no second-class members. Everyone here will have a place to contribute, to grow, and to be recognised for their efforts,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Chief Muyiwa Asagunla, lauded President Tinubu for his infrastructural strides in Ondo State, particularly the ongoing dualisation of the Ore–Akure Road, the Ilesha–Akure–Benin Expressway, the Akure–Ado-Ekiti Road, and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which passes through the state.
He urged the people of Ondo State to unite in support of the President’s vision, noting that the current wave of development must be sustained beyond 2027.
The event was attended by top government functionaries, party leaders, youth groups, and women organisations, who all pledged to continue mobilising support for the APC ahead of future elections