By Jubril Bada
A huge wave of defection has hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its members in Akure South Local Government area of Ondo State joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recall that the opposition party has been affected by the defections of its members into the ruling APC after the victory recorded by the party in the just concluded general elections.
Some leaders of the PDP in the local government and their teeming supporters who are mainly staunch supporters of the late former member of House of Representatives from Akure North/Akure South Federal constituency, Adedayo Omolafe also known as Expensive defected to the APC.
A former Deputy Chairman of Akure South Local Government, who served under Omolafe, Mr.Smart Oloye, led the defectors to APC secretariat, saying that they joined the party to indicate their interest to align with the ruling party.
He said that the formal declaration for APC was made after making consultations across the entire political landscape of the local government led by their late mentor Omolafe.
In a statement signed by the State Director of Media and Publicity of the APC, Mr. Steve Otaloro, Oloye added that their decision to join APC was to make the political structure left behind by late Omolafe to be fully integrated into the party and given a sense of belonging like every member .
Oloye said they believed it’s the best thing to do after waiting for long. He acknowledged the political sagacity, understanding, and love shown to the group by the State Chairman of APC, Ade Adetimehin after the death of their political mentor.
The group also described Adetimehin as a great leader whose winning streak has strategically weakened the opposition parties, especially the PDP in the State.
Receiving the defectors, the State Chairman of APC, Adetimehin assured the new entrants of equal opportunities in the party.
He reeled out the names of other defectors to APC as Woman leader of PDP in Akure South, Seun Adanri; legislative aide to the late Omolafe, Ranti Fakinlede; the current PDP treasurer in Akure South Local Government, Muyiwa Agunloye and Taye Jombo.
Adetimehin also mentioned former PDP House of Representatives candidate, Muyiwa Adu and PDP chieftain, Yekini Olanipekun as persons who have indicated interest to join the APC.
He promised to accept them formally to the party in an elaborate rally when the leader of the party and Governor of the State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu resumes from his annual leave.
