National Telescope national telescope newspaper
In a significant political shift in Ondo State, 29 prominent associates of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko have left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
The defectors include key figures such as former PDP Chairman Hon Ebenezer Alabi, ex-commissioners Jide Adejuyigbe, Gboye Adegbenro, Tunde Atere, Ajani Oladipupo, and Chief Yele Ogundipe. Also joining the APC are former House of Representatives members Joseph Akinlaja, Alaba-Lad Ojomo, Hon Kolade Akinjo, and Gboluga Ikengboju, alongside former House of Assembly Speaker Jumoke Akindele.
Additional defectors include appointees like Eni Akinsola, Funmilola Oluwadare, Solomon Adelegan, Femi Bosede.L, Hon Ajani Oladipo, Com Dayo Akinte, Dr Dapo Iwala, Mr Femi Ofakunrin, Mr Olumide Olugbebi, and Ms Omowumi George, as well as Mr Gbenga Aro, Alhaji Rauf Ogunsola, Ms Taiye Afilaka, Hon Adetimehin Badeji Jacob, Dr Felix Kehinde, Com Babatunde Sobande, Hon Idowu Ogunmade, Mr Olanrewaju Longe, and Mr Abiodun Temenu.
In a joint statement following their meeting with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the new APC members expressed their commitment to supporting the governor’s re-election bid. They cited their decision to join the APC as a strategic move to aid in the re-election of Governor Aiyedatiwa and to contribute to the state’s development and national progress.
The statement read, “After thorough consultations, we have resolved to join the APC, resigning from the PDP. Our aim is to be part of the efforts to elect Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for national development.”
The group highlighted their dissatisfaction with the PDP’s current positioning and their belief in the APC’s vision for state and national progress. They assured their commitment to working diligently within the APC to advance its goals and contribute to the party’s growth.
The defections are expected to influence the political landscape in Ondo State as the November election approaches.
