Ahead of the upcoming November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, a significant political shift has occurred as around 5,000 All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from Odigbo Local Government Area have announced their defection to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
This mass defection is seen as a major blow to the APC in the state, especially as it comes from a stronghold like Odigbo. The leaders, including key figures and influential community groups, cited various reasons for leaving the party, with the primary cause being dissatisfaction with the APC’s governance both at the state and national levels.
The spokesperson for the group, Alhaji Yusuf Abdulateef, voiced their grievances, stating that the party’s governance had brought widespread hardship to the people of Ondo State. “Bad governance” by the APC, he explained, has led to rising levels of hunger, deepening poverty, and an unmanageable increase in fuel prices, which have all contributed to their decision to leave.
Abdulateef emphasized that their decision was made with the interest of the people in mind, particularly those who have been most affected by these challenges. “We rejected APC’s offer to stay because we prioritize the masses, who are suffering under their governance,” he stated. Abdulateef added that they believe PDP’s candidate, Agboola Ajayi, has the experience and ability to change the current situation and lead the state towards prosperity.
The defectors were welcomed by the leadership of the Ondo PDP, with Dr. Eddy Olafeso, the Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, assuring them that their expectations would be met within the party. The event was also attended by other notable PDP figures, including the governorship candidate Agboola Alfred Ajayi, former Speaker of the State Assembly Rt. Hon. Bakita Bello, Hon. Clement Faboyede, and Engineer Ademulegun.
