Ondo APC celebrates Akingbaso’s defection

By Oluwadamilola Akinduro
The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has rolled out the drums to celebrate the defection of Hon. Festus Akingbaso, a former deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, describing the move as a major political score and a devastating blow to the opposition camp.
Akingbaso, who currently represents the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was lauded by the party as a grassroots political heavyweight whose influence will further bolster the APC’s electoral standing ahead of future polls.
Reacting to the development, the APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, said the defection speaks volumes about the growing popularity and acceptance of the ruling party across the length and breadth of the state.
“With this strategic move, Ondo State now parades three APC senators and nine members of the House of Representatives. This is a loud confirmation that the APC remains the party of progress and the people’s choice,” Adetimehin declared.
He assured the federal lawmaker of a soft landing in the party, pledging total support from the leadership and a conducive platform that would enable him to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the party’s growth.
Adetimehin also showered praises on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his purposeful leadership and the ongoing efforts to reposition the APC, attract credible personalities, and strengthen its internal structures.
He urged party leaders and executives in Idanre Local Government Area to throw their arms wide open to Akingbaso and his teeming supporters, stressing the need for full integration and cooperation at the grassroots level.
The defection, according to party insiders, has further tilted the political balance in favour of the APC ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.