Aiyedatiwa receives defected Ondo Reps member to APC

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Thursday formally received the lawmaker representing the Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency, Hon. Festus Akingbaso, who defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmaker, who was elected into the National Assembly on the platform of the PDP and announced his defection on the floor of the National Assembly, was received along with thousands of PDP members from the federal constituency.

Aiyedatiwa, while hailing Akingbaso—the only lawmaker elected on the platform of the PDP in the 2023 election—described his defection as a momentous event that has changed the political landscape of the state.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, assured the lawmaker and other new entrants that they would not regret their decision to join the APC.

He said: “I want to congratulate our people in Idanre and Ifedore for having a worthy son, who has been representing you well at the National Assembly.

“Hon Akingbaso has witnessed all that the APC is doing in Ondo State and at the federal level. We are happy to receive him and members of the PDP.

“The federal constituency used to be divided between the APC and PDP, but with the defection of Hon. Akingbaso to our party, Idanre/Ifedore will henceforth record 100 percent votes for the APC.”

He expressed satisfaction with the reforms of the President Tinubu-led government, which, according to him, are already producing positive results in many areas of the economy.

While handing over the APC flag to Akingbaso, the APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, said Idanre and Ifedore would henceforth record 100 percent votes for the APC, following the federal lawmaker’s defection.

Adetimehin called on the people to support President Bola Tinubu in his Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at bringing succour to the common man. He added that Ondo State is now fully aligned with the APC.

Speaking, the lawmaker Akingbaso said he was inspired to join the APC because of President Bola Tinubu’s track record of achievements over the years.

He said President Tinubu has displayed rare courage in confronting the nation’s daunting economic challenges and taking tough decisions to reset the country on the path of economic development.

Akingbaso also commended Aiyedatiwa for providing purposeful leadership, prioritising the welfare of the people of the state, and his quest to bring governance closer to the grassroots.

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“As a member of the National Assembly for two years, I have witnessed the giant strides of President Tinubu at the top level, and it is important that I bring my supporters to work with the Governor in Ondo for the overall success of the party,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Dr Kola Ademujimi, Chief of Staff to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, expressed satisfaction with the reforms of President Bola Tinubu and passed a vote of confidence on the President. He promised that Idanre/Ifedore would support Governor Aiyedatiwa to enable the President return for another term.

The event was attended by several dignitaries from the state, including the Senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Sen. Niyi Adegbomire; Executive Director, Corporate Services of NDDC, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; and the Member representing Akure North/South federal constituency, Hon. Derin Adesida.

Others in attendance included the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osemaye; the Member representing Idanre in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Oluwatosin Ajirotutu; among others.

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