Ondo PDP deputy guber candidate joins APC

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo on Thursday, formally received the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election in the state, Hon. Festus Akingbaso, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)

Akingbaso, who is also the lawmaker representing the Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency, elected into the National Assembly on the platform of PDP had announced his defection to the ruling APC at the floor of the national Assembly some two months ago.

The lawmaker was received with thousands of members of PDP in the federal constituency by the governor and the leadership of the party in the state.

ALSO READ: Aiyedatiwa receives defected Ondo Reps member to APC

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

Aiyedatiwa who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, assured the lawmaker and other entrants that they will not regret their decision to defect to 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 for 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 at the reforms of 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 will henceforth record 100 percent votes for the APC, with the defection of the federal lawmaker.

Adetimehin called on the people to support President Bola Tinubu in his Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at brining succor to the common man. He said Ondo state is now fully for the APC.

Speaking, the lawmaker, Akingbaso said that he was inspired to join 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, and prioritising the welfare of the people of the state and his quest to bring governance closer to the grassroots.

“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”

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

The event had dignitaries from the state in attendance, who include, Senator representing Ondo central senatorial district, Sen. Niyi Adegbomire, Executive Director, Corporate Services of NDDC, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Member representing Akure North/South federal constituency, Hon. Derin Adesida.

Others include, Ondo state commissioner for women affairs and social development, Dr Seun Osemaye, Member representing Idanre in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Oluwatosin Ajirotutu, among others.