The state Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state witnessed a historic event on Tuesday as 203 Councillors, Vice Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and hundreds of their teeming followers in Ondo State officially joined the ruling party.
Notably, Vice Chairmen and all Councillors who had remained loyal to the PDP since 2007 during Dr. Olusegun Agagu’s administration all decided to switch to the APC. Their large numbers demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the ruling party and the determination to leave their former party behind.
Hon. Oyeyinka Akosile, the Coordinator of the forum of the Councillors and Vice Chairmen in the state, led the impressive crowd of defectors. He explained that they had patiently waited in the opposition party for far too long before deciding on the APC due to the exceptional leadership of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Hon. Akosile also expressed gratitude to recuperating Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, wished him a quick recovery, and for his all-inclusive governance, which transcends party affiliations.
The leader of the PDP Councillors and Vice Chairmen forum who led the defectors to APC in Ondo State promised that the defectors would work tirelessly to make the APC a stronger party together.
In their response, two of the defectors, Ogunniyi Adesoji Taiwo, a former Vice Chairman of Odigbo LG, said he is the only elected Vice Chairman of the PDP who had not left the party hitherto since 2017 when he was elected. While also Samuel Akinrinlude from Odigbo LG said he has remained in PDP since 1999 before decamping to the APC.
In his response, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the state chairman, expressed his appreciation to the grassroots politicians who have brought an end to the existence of PDP in the state and for choosing the APC as their new political home. He encouraged them to be exemplary leaders at their various wards in the state, emphasizing that the party belongs to everyone.
Adetimehin assured the defectors that they would not regret their decision, especially considering the widespread admiration the party enjoys at both the state and national levels. He called on them to actively promote the achievements of Governor Akeredolu within their respective constituencies.
The event concluded with prayers for the quick recovery and return of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN to the state, further highlighting the unity and solidarity within the APC.
