In a major political shake-up just three months before the Ondo State governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received a significant boost with the defection of over 12,000 members from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This mass defection occurred in Ondo town, where the defectors were officially welcomed by the PDP’s governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, who is aiming to unseat the APC in the upcoming November 16 election.
A Wave of Defections Reshapes Ondo’s Political Landscape
The wave of defections comes as a critical moment for the PDP, which has been striving to regain its foothold in the state. Moreover, the defections included several high-profile figures, most notably former APC senatorial aspirant Adeniran Oyebade, who led the charge. Oyebade, along with thousands of his supporters, expressed their frustration with the APC’s governance in the state, accusing the party of failing to deliver on its promises of development.
Speaking at the event in Ondo town, Agboola Ajayi, the PDP’s candidate, did not mince words in welcoming the defectors. “We are on a rescue mission for Ondo State,” Ajayi declared, urging the PDP’s existing members to embrace the newcomers and work together to ensure a victory on November 16. Ajayi, a seasoned politician who has previously served as the state’s deputy governor, emphasized his commitment to addressing the pressing needs of Ondo’s citizens.
Ajayi’s remarks were filled with confidence as he reiterated his preparedness to lead the state. “I know where the shoe pinches our people,” he said, alluding to his deep-rooted understanding of the challenges faced by the average Ondo citizen. Furthermore, he highlighted his extensive political experience, which includes serving as a local government chairman and a member of the House of Representatives, as proof of his capability to govern the state effectively.
Discontent With APC Spurs Mass Exodus
The decision by these thousands of APC members to defect is rooted in deep-seated dissatisfaction with the ruling party. Adeniran Oyebade, speaking on behalf of the defectors, detailed the reasons behind their decision. “I spent over nine years in the APC, including paying a huge sum of N20 million for a party form, among other contributions,” Oyebade stated. “But in return, we received nothing—no recognition, no rewards, and most importantly, no tangible development in the state.”
Oyebade’s words reflect a broader sentiment of disillusionment within the APC ranks in Ondo State. However, he accused the APC of lacking a coherent plan for the state’s development and being more concerned with maintaining power than serving the people. “As we stand now, I and my 12,000 supporters have begun the rescue journey with the PDP and Agboola Ajayi to salvage Ondo State from the hands of oppressors and corrupt leaders,” he declared, signaling a new chapter in the state’s political history.
High Stakes as Election Day Approaches
The defection of such a large number of APC members to the PDP significantly alters the political dynamics in Ondo State ahead of the November 16 election. The PDP, bolstered by this influx of new members, is now in a stronger position to challenge the ruling party. This development is particularly significant given that just days earlier, 29 aides and associates of former governor Olusegun Mimiko had left the PDP to join the APC. In addition, the political atmosphere in Ondo is increasingly charged, with both parties striving to consolidate their support bases.
As election day draws closer, the focus will be on how effectively the PDP can integrate these new members and leverage their support to secure a win. Moreover, for the APC, the challenge will be to address the underlying issues that have led to such widespread discontent within its ranks.
Source: Punch
