More than 300 members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, further weakening the opposition’s structure across the state.
The defectors, drawn from different wards in the 18 local government areas of the state, formally joined the APC during a ceremony held at the party’s secretariat in Akure on Monday.
Welcoming the new members, the APC State Chairman, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, described the development as a significant boost to the party’s strength ahead of future elections, particularly in support of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition and the party’s National and State Assembly candidates.
Adetimehin attributed the steady wave of defections to what he termed the party’s solid internal framework and effective leadership, noting that the APC possesses the capacity to integrate new members without creating internal crises.
“I want to welcome you to our party. This is to show how APC is waxing strong in Ondo State. This expansion of our membership base would further strengthen the party ahead of future elections, particularly the presidential election and state and national assembly elections. This would boost the chances of the party to ensure President Bola Tinubu returns for a second term.
“I want to appeal to our new members to return to their wards and actively participate in party activities.
“Our party believes in the well-being of our people. We have means of managing internal wrangling within our party. And by the grace of God, our leadership is doing well. People know that when you join APC, your interests will be protected,” the party’s chairman said.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Bamidele Ayodele, popularly known as BOA, said the decision to leave the PDP followed wide consultations with party stakeholders.
Ayodele, who was the PDP House of Assembly candidate in the last general election, described his former party as deeply divided and unprepared to offer effective governance.
He revealed that over 300 members were physically present at the ceremony, while more than 2,000 others had already resolved to defect at the ward level.
He said: “If you look at the party where I’m coming from, it’s severely fractured. It is not a party that is ready to muscle power out of the ruling party. They are not ready. If by mistake they even get the power, it’s very obvious that they will squander it.
“So the best thing we can do is to sit down and look at what the ruling party is doing. In all areas, in all parameters of development, we can see that the ruling party is doing well, and the best any right-thinking politician should do at this time is to actually join forces with the ruling party and give the people the dividend of democracy. Over 300 are here today, but I can tell you, over 2,000 would join us in APC from the PDP very soon.
“It’s not about being an opposition; it is more important for you to be a partner in progress. So, that’s what we have decided to do at a time like this, and I’m excited about the privilege.”
The development signals a fresh political realignment in Ondo State as parties begin early positioning ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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