Ondo LP deputy governorship candidate, others defect to APC

The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Hon. Dayo Awude, on Monday led hundreds of members from the LP and other opposition parties into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

The defectors, drawn from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), were received at a rally in Akure, the state capital.

 

While a chieftain of the PDP from Ese-Odo Local Government Area, Hon. Suffy Uguogi, led PDP defectors from the southern senatorial district to the APC, the former Secretary of the SDP in the state, Hon. Dele Ogunbameru, led those from the SDP.

 

Awude, who served as Chief of Protocol to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, spoke on behalf of the defectors, saying they joined the ruling party in recognition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s track record of achievements over the years.

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According to him, their decision was inspired by “the laudable achievements and leadership qualities of President Tinubu, as well as the good works of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”

 

He pledged that they would work tirelessly for the President’s re-election in 2027, commending Tinubu for showing rare courage in confronting the nation’s daunting economic challenges and for taking tough decisions to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable development.

 

Awude added that the move to join the APC came after “extensive consultations and personal reflection,” and promised to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the party.

 

“We joined the APC because of the laudable achievements and leadership of President Tinubu and the good works of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. We will work tirelessly for the President’s re-election in 2027.

 

I have joined the APC to add value, and I assure Mr Governor that he will see it. I urge all our party faithful to return to their units and wards to fully integrate themselves. I am here for progress—to support President Bola Tinubu and to support the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”

 

Another defector, Dele Ogunbameru, former Secretary of the SDP, said he had faced numerous challenges in his former party but now felt at home in the APC. He added that he joined the ruling party to contribute his wealth of experience and help move it forward.

 

Welcoming the new members, Governor Aiyedatiwa said their defection was a clear sign of the APC’s growing popularity in the state.

 

“Your coming is evidence that the votes we didn’t get in the last governorship election will now come in 2027,” he stated. “Ondo is for Tinubu in 2027; we will vote massively for his re-election and retain power at both federal and state levels.”

 

Addressing the mammoth crowd in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed the defectors to the party, promising that they would be integrated into the mainstream.

 

He congratulated the defectors under the platform of the Sunshine Grassroots Network from various political parties, including the PDP, SDP, and ADC, describing their decision to join the APC as a wise move.

 

“Your coming to the ruling party is evidence that the votes we didn’t get during the last governorship election in the state will now come in during the 2027 election.

 

Your coming will add value. There’s enough room for everybody in the APC. It is proof of good governance, and winning is not the issue—we will have overwhelming votes in 2027. Ondo is for Tinubu come 2027. We will vote massively for his re-election and retain power both at the federal and state levels.”

 

The governor dismissed any possibility of a coalition against the President in Ondo, declaring:

 

“In Ondo State, there is no room for coalition—it is one APC. People join political parties for different reasons, but the interest of the party must always supersede every other interest. For us in the APC, that interest is to retain power.”

 

Also speaking, APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, described Awude’s defection as “a big plus” for the party, assuring the newcomers of equal opportunities with existing members.

 

Adetimehin urged unity among members to keep Ondo on the path of progress, saying:

 

“You will not regret joining us. The APC’s doors are still open for others to come in. Any politician who cannot deliver his unit and ward is not a politician. I urge all our new members to work towards strengthening the party at the grassroots.

 

Therefore, on behalf of the National Chairman of our party, I want to formally welcome you into the APC, and I hereby hand you over to the Leader of our party in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE