Some staunch youth members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday defected to All Progressives Congress (APC).
The youths who were leaders of youth wing of PDP defected on grounds that the leadership of APC took care of members of the party, particularly the youth.
Receiving the defectors, the state Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin assured the new entrants of equal opportunities in the party.
The facilitator of the defectors, Seriki Katike explained that the youths decided to join APC because they have seen some youths and women in the party who have been empowered financially to start off businesses or boost their businesses.
He said: “They see some of our contemporaries who are members of APC in our neighborhood have shown clearly that the party cared for the well-being of it’s members.”
Seriki Katike, who is a mechanic, who led these youths to APC said he knew how he was operating in his workshop before he joined APC. He was handling every bit of his operations manually, but he has been provided with equipments that have enhanced his performance tremendously when he left PDP he said.
He said: “That’s why we are here. We want the youths’ lives to be impacted on and the chairman of the party, Engr. Ade Adetimehin has assured us of meaningful support.
“They all have one job or another that they do, but they need assistance that can better their output and profit.
“They are not thugs, but responsible youths who are ready to contribute their own quota to the development of our great nation. All they need is just a helping hand.
“They worked and voted for APC during the presidential election because I had assured them that they would be admitted into APC after the election and the party’s leadership would attend to their challenges.”
In his welcome address, Adetimehin said: “I am happy to receive you today into our great party, the largest political party in sub-sahara Africa.
“Let me assure you, here in our party, we are one big family. We care for our welfare and now that you have joined us, we shall surely take care of you.
“I want to let you know also that you stand the same opportunities like every other member of our party.
“There’s nothing like new member here, we are all equal. Just make sure you begin to attend our party’s meetings in your wards and get your membership cards,” Adetimehin said.
