Ondo PDP lawmakers set to decamp to APC

Indications emerged on Tuesday, that the camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ondo State House of Assembly may be depleted, as more lawmaker are set to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress  (APC)  in the state.

Tribune Online gathered that at least five members out of the 13 PDP members in the state Assembly will soon dump the party for APC to give the party an edge in the state Assembly.

The number of PDP in the state Assembly will be reduced to eight as the two parties presently have 13 members each at the Assembly but with the defection of the five lawmakers, the APC have 18 members while PDP would be reduced to eight members.

This development would give the ruling party the two-third majority needed to make any decision in the House of Assembly.

The five PDP lawmakers expected to join the APC tomorrow are the immediate past Deputy Speaker, Hon. Fatai Olotu (Akoko North East), Hon. Akinyele Fasogbon (Odigbo 2), Hon. Kuti Towase (Akoko South East), Hon. Bimbo Fajolu (Ileoluji/Okeigbo) and Hon. Tuyi Akintimehin (Idanre) and the defectors are to be received into the APC by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

However, some PDP lawmakers in the state House of Assembly have vowed not to be party to the defection to APC, pledging their loyalty to the party.

The lawmakers which included; Sola Ebiwonjumi (Okitipupa Constituency 1), Ifedayo Akinsoyinu (Ondo west) and Jumoke Akindele (Okitipupa Constituency II) vowed not to jump ship, no matter the circumstance of the party in the state.

The lawmakers stated this while reacting to the defection of the lawmaker representing Ilaje constituency 1, Abayomi Akinruntan, who recently dinner PDP for APC.

Akinrutan during his defection on the floor of the House said that some of the PDP lawmakers will soon join APC to give the party a formidable majority in the house.

Speaking with Tribune Online, one of the lawmakers, Sola Ebiwonjumi said that he will not join the APC even if the immediate past governor join the party.

He said “I, Sola Ebiwonjumi will not leave PDP for any reason until the end of my term. Even if Our Leader, Dr Mimiko decides to join APC, I cannot join APC.

Also speaking, the former Speaker of the state Assembly, Jumoke Akindele and the former majority leader, Ifedayo Akinsoyinu also vowed to remain in the PDP.