Ahead of the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State, a large number of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Ilaje Local Government Area defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday.
The former PDP leaders, now newly minted members of the APC, publicly declared their allegiance to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Among the prominent defectors from the PDP were notable figures such as Mr. Lebi Adepiti, a former Commissioner for Environment, and Prince Debo Ajimuda, a former Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission.
Welcoming them to the APC, Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude for their decision to join the party and support his campaign, describing the development as a strong indication of the Ilaje people’s solidarity for him.
The governor assured the new members that they would retain their leadership roles within the APC, reflecting their positions in the former party.
“The new members would not be marginalised, they would enjoy the benefits and opportunities within the APC,” the governor said.
Ade Adetimehin, the Ondo APC Chairman, pledged the party would not discriminate against the defectors.
While speaking on behalf of the defectors, Lebi Adepiti said they were committed to mobilising support for Aiyedatiwa in Ilaje and its environs ahead of the coming governorship election.
He said: “We are committed to supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa out of our own free will. We recognise his strong performance since he became the governor and we believe in standing by our brother rather than seeking alternatives.
“We believe it is our duty as brothers to unite with him and advance the state. The PDP no longer exists in Ilaje Local Government. Our ward executives, members, women leaders, councillors, and supervisors are all committed to the Aiyedatiwa project. We are ready for APC, we are ready to work for you.”
