About 300 former members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Idanre Local Government have moved over to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
A statement by the APC Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, said that they were received by the party’s State Chairman, Engineer Ade Adetimehin.
According to the statement, titled “Idanre Agog As Adetimehin Receive Hundreds Who Dump PDP For APC”: “There was great jubilation in Idanre, the headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State when over 300 chieftains and members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dumped the party for All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The event, which took place at Depot in Odo-Ode area of the town, was witnessed by members of APC and people of the town.
“Most of the defectors were grassroots political leaders from different parts of Idanre Local Government who held sway in their individual communities.
“The defection was unique as names of the PDP members who defected were red from a list where their names were compiled and each of them mounted the podium to address the people.
“They took turn to appreciate the performances of the state Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin and other representatives of the local government as well as the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
“All of them commended and referred to the leadership quality of Adetimehin as one of the main reasons they decided to join APC.
“In his address, Adetimehin, APC Chairman in Ondo State who received the defectors, commended them for their courage as he described them as known and experienced grassroots politicians of great repute.
“He assured them that no one will be treated as new member in the party, saying they would be treated equally.
“Adetimehin, therefore, urged them to use their political experience and influence to work for the success of all candidates of APC at the coming general elections.
“He declared that the presidential candidate of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has enviable track records as a good human resources manager, assuring that he would turn the country around when he assumes office as the president.
“Adetimehin said: “Today’s event is different. These people are all present here. They are physical, practical. They are tested politicians of note. Among them are former ward chairmen, supervisory councilors, executives of a local government and spokesperson of a former Governorship candidate in the state.
“If 300 people left a political party, it means a lot, and at the Grassroots for that matter. Idanre is full of progressive people. I can assure you now that any time, any day, APC will win Idanre Local Government in 2023 general elections.
“So, I am charging everybody to go back to his or her unit and ward to mobilise for APC because all the candidates of APC must win this coming elections.
“Our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man full of ideas, a man who has the capacity and intellect.
“When you talk of our senatorial candidate, Niyi Adegbonmire, SAN, he’s a youth full of energy and is connected.
“What about the House of Reps, Small Alhaji, he has done us proud.
“The candidate for state House of Assembly is a Princess. She has royalty blood flowing in her and everybody is proud of her, Ade Adetimehin the APC Chairman who himself is a native of Idanre reiterated.
“Princess Oluwatosin Ogunlowo, the APC candidate for Idanre Local government, described the event as very interesting and encouraging.
“She said: “This has never happened before in Idanre. I want to encourage women to come out and participate in politics as it unfolds in our local government.
“I want to appeal to all of us to troop out on the election days to vote for all candidates of APC from presidential candidate through to House of Assembly.”
“Former spokesman to Eyitayo Jegede Campaign Organization, Barrister Akinmoyo Gbenga (a.k.a Garo), who was among the defectors, said: “Despite all the strong positions I held, my former party (PDP) didn’t recognise me.
“Besides, my former party felt it was appropriate for it to allow no zoning. To allow presidential ticket to be an open ticket, and it went to Atiku. For me, that’s very, very unacceptable.
“Though I persevered, Atiku has been unable to unify the party. Some governors are threatening to leave the party. Is that a party that is ready to take over the rein of the country?
“Let us not be sentimental, let’s talk about other candidate, somebody who can get us back on track.
“I, therefore, at the end of the day made calculated and deliberate decision to move to a party that will not be only good to me but move my community forward and the nation at large.
“I strongly believe that Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu has the potentials to transform Nigeria. Let us rally round him.”
“Among other strong grassroots politicians who defected are Chief Obamolujoye Igbekele, Olatuni Olawole(a.k.a Cuba), High Chief Sasere (Atosin) Ogunyimika David (a.k.a Aroso), Ogunwase Felix (a.k.a Double) and others.”
