By Ade Oyeyemi
A former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State, Bosun Arebuwa, has defected to the All Progressives Congress with a group of his supporters.
Arebuwa, who contested the PDP governorship primary ahead of the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, formally joined the APC on Friday at the International Culture and Event Centre in Akure, the state capital.
Speaking at the defection ceremony, the former aspirant said his decision was influenced by what he described as the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Arebuwa said he and his supporters were joining the APC to work for Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
“We have left the PDP. We want to join hands with others to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office,” he said.
He claimed that the group comprised supporters drawn from more than 3,000 political units and 203 wards across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas.
According to him, the group would deploy its political structures and experience towards campaigning for the APC and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
“My first line of action is to deploy my experience and capacity to ensure President Bola Tinubu wins the presidential election come January 2027,” Arebuwa stated.
He also praised the President’s administration, saying his decision to leave the PDP was informed by his assessment of Tinubu’s performance.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of the Ondo APC leadership, a party chieftain, Olusola Oke, SAN, urged the new members to return to their respective wards and local government areas and begin mobilisation for the party.
Oke described Arebuwa’s entry into the APC as an addition to the party’s political strength in the state, while assuring the defectors that they would be integrated into the party.
“I welcome all of you to the ruling All Progressives Congress. You will never regret joining the APC. I want to implore you to work for the party at your various wards and local governments,” Oke said.
Arebuwa’s defection comes amid increased political realignments in Ondo State as parties and political groups begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
