By Jubril Bada
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Former House of Representatives candidate for Akure North /Akure South Federal constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adu, has given reasons why he left the main opposition party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Adu, who is a legal practitioner said he collapsed the PDP structure in the constituency to join forces with the APC to move the state forward .
Also, the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for House of Assembly in Akoko North West Local Government, in the just concluded 2023 general elections, Oluseyi Kolawole and the chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Akure North Local Government, Falae Babatunde collapsed their parties’ structures as they joined the ruling APC in the state.
Other chieftains of the PDP who defected to the APC along with their supporters at the M K O Abiola Democracy Park, venue of the event included Bode Obanla (Akoko North East), Felix Ogundairo, followers and relatives of late member of the House of Representatives from Akure North/Akure South, Adedayo Omolafe, Femi Omolafe, Elder Smart Oloye, Ranti Fakilade, Funke Lawani, lfedayo Tokimi, Sunday Afolabi, Mariam Aregbesola and Fafunmilade Tilerewa (Akoko Northwest).
Leading other defectors from the PDP, Adu, said his defection with his supporters to APC was a return home.
“When I was in PDP, I seemed to be the odd man out in the family. Nothing will happen in Akure without the warriors of Akure. If they say no, it will not work. Some of them ran into the bush when I was contesting as the House of Representatives candidate. They pretended that they were arrested by the police. They said it because they could not look at my face.
“Now they are happy, we are back home. I am home because the Israelites wouldn’t have succeeded in getting to where they are today if they had not wandered in the wilderness. I am not here to say anything negative about any political party, because without them they wouldn’t have known we have strength.
Ours is to show that we are better than them. We have just started the journey. What I have to say here today is to first appreciate the leaders of APC that have made the party worthy for all of us standing here today. We just must thank you.
“My role in the next two years is to remain the welfare Officer of APC in Ondo State so that when they see you, your face would be shining. You will eat very well. And when the election comes, it will just be a run-over.”
Receiving the defectors, the State Chairman of the APC, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, expressed his satisfaction over the defection of the members of the oppositions.
He said the defectors joined forces with the APC due to the strong belief they have in it as a united party.
“Today is the day of joy for APC in Ondo State. l’m so happy because APC is the largest and better political party.
“APC is a party that stands well with structure to perform to optimal level in wining election,” he said.
He noted that APC in Ondo State came first in the last general elections with highest votes to outshine others.
