The political atmosphere in Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State was charged beyond expectation at the weekend as members of the opposition parties trooped out in their large numbers to join the Social Democratic party SDP and support the governorship candidate of the party,Otunba Bamidele Akingboye OBA In actualizing the dream of becoming the next governor of the state.
In a significant political shift, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) witnessed a massive influx of new members as thousands defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Okitipupa Local Government Area to join the winning team.
The defectors, received in separate events at Igbotako and Okitipupa townships, cited their confidence in the leadership capabilities of SDP’s gubernatorial candidate, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA). They expressed their confidences in OBA’s consistent vision to transform Ondo State from its current state of underdevelopment into an infrastructurally advanced and enviable environment.
Leading the defectors were prominent figures including Akinmonsin Akinola and Lebi Toluwa in Igbotako, and Jide Oladipupo of Liberty Forum in Okitipupa, among others.
Otunba Akingboye, accompanied by SDP State Secretary Jimmy Akinyan and the State Women Leader, Mrs Morayo Akinyemiju warmly welcomed the new members. He expressed gratitude for their faith in him and the SDP, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to bringing positive change to Ondo State.
“Your decision today marks a significant step towards the transformation we all desire for our beloved state,” Akingboye stated. “Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure that Ondo State reaches its full potential under SDP leadership.”
This mass defection signals a potential shift in the political landscape of Ondo State as the gubernatorial election approaches. It underscores growing support for the SDP and its candidate, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the upcoming electoral contest.
As political observers keenly watch these developments, the SDP’s growing strength in Okitipupa LGA may indicate a broader trend across the state, potentially altering the calculus for all parties involved in the race for the governorship.
