By Peter Dada
Hundreds of chieftains the Peoples Democratic Party and their supporters across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State have defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress.
It was gathered that the defectors included former vice chairmen of the 18 local governments and 203 councillors across the 18 council areas. They left their former party under the auspices of the Ondo Forum of Vice Chairmen and Councillors.
At the defection ceremony held at the Secretariat of the APC, in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday, the Coordinator of the forum, Mr Oyeyinka Akosile, explained that they had patiently waited in the opposition party for too long before deciding to join the APC due to the exceptional leadership of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Akosile who wished the governor a quick recovery, commended Akeredolu for running an all-inclusive government, which transcended party affiliations.
“We would work tirelessly to make the APC a much stronger party together,” the defectors’ leader promised.
Welcoming the defectors to the party, the Ondo State APC chairman, Mr Ade Adetimehin, expressed his appreciation to the grassroots politicians for choosing the APC as their new political home. He encouraged them to be exemplary leaders at their various wards in the state, emphasising 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.
The chairman said, “I want to appeal to you to actively promote the achievements of Governor Akeredolu within your respective constituencies. We don’t discriminate in APC, all of us are brothers and sisters in one big family. You are welcome”
Source: The Punch
