Aiyedatiwa receives PDP Deputy Gov candidate, over 20,000 defectors to APC

Thousands of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in Ondo State trooped out in large numbers on Thursday to declare their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

Among them was Hon. Festus Akingbaso, the lawmaker representing the constituency in the House of Representatives and the PDP’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2024 election.

Despite a heavy downpour, the enthusiastic crowd gathered at Depot Roundabout in Idanre to witness what many described as a landmark political event in the state.

Receiving the ecstatic defectors at Depot Roundabout in Idanre, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, eulogized Hon. Akingbaso for leading his teeming supporters and party faithful from PDP to APC.

The governor, who began his speech by rendering his signature song ‘irorun de, ore mi maa bo’ loosely translated to English as ‘All is at ease, come my friend’ congratulated the people of Idanre and Ifedore for having a worthy son and a good representative.

He described the defection of Hon. Akingbaso as “divinely ordained”, as it coincided with Thursday’s victory of Ondo state APC at the Appeal court, which affirmed the election of Aiyedatiwa as the governor of Ondo state.

“I want to congratulate our people in Idanre and Ifedore for having a worthy son, who has been representing you well at the national assembly. Hon Akingbaso has witnessed all that the APC is doing in Ondo state and at the federal level. We are happy to receive him and members of the PDP,” the governor said.

He expressed satisfaction at the reforms agenda of the Tinubu-led government, which according to him, are already producing positive results in many areas of the economy.

While handing the APC flag to Hon. Akingbaso, chairman of the party, Engr Ade Adetimehin, said Idanre and Ifedore will now be fully for APC, with the defection of the federal lawmaker.

According to him, “The federal constituency used to be divided between APC and PDP but with the defection of Hon. Akingbaso to our party, Idanre/Ifedore will henceforth record a hundred percent votes for the APC anytime.”

Adetimehin called on the people to support President Bola Tinubu in his Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at bringing succor to the common man. He said, “Ondo state is now fully APC.”

In his remarks, Hon. Festus Akingbaso thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing purposeful leadership, and prioritising the welfare of the people of the state.

He said he took the decision to join the APC to support the governor in his quest to bring governance closer to the grassroots.

“As a member of the national assembly for two years, I have witnessed the giant strides of President Tinubu at the top level and it is important that I bring my supporters to work with the Governor in Ondo for the overall success of the party.”

Speaking on behalf of other defectors, Dr Kola Ademujimi, Chief of Staff to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, expressed satisfaction at the reforms of President Bola Tinubu and passed vote of confidence on the president, promising that Idanre/Ifedore will support Governor Aiyedatiwa to enable the President return for another term.

The event was attended by prominent figures including Senator Niyi Adegbomire, who represents Ondo Central; Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director, Corporate Services of the NDDC; Hon. Derin Adesida, member representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency; Dr. Seun Osemaye, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development; and Hon. Oluwatosin Ajirotutu, member representing Idanre in the Ondo State House of Assembly.