Not less than 5,000 political associates of Dr Olusegun Mimiko, former governor of Ondo State were received into the All Progressives Congress (APC) by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Wednesday.
The leaders of different political parties, including former House of Representatives members, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Assistants in the state government during Mimiko’s era, announced their intention to ditch the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and team up with APC.
Speaking while the first set was being formally welcomed into the APC, former Chief Press Secretary to Mimiko, Mr Ẹni Akinsola, said many more allies of the former governor from across the state would join at different political wards across the state.
Leading the new members into the APC were two-term members of the House of Representatives and former Labour leader, Hon Akinlaja Joseph, Hon Lad Alaba Ojomo, Hon Jumoke Akindele, Hon Victor Akinjo, and Hon Gboluga Ikengboju, said they have since moved commitment to the cause of the APC, Ondo State people, and Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of other defectors, Akinlaja said they joined the APC mostly from the PDP to contribute their quota to the seamless victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the APC in the forthcoming election.
According to him “We are in APC to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to contribute to the solution of the myriads of challenges facing our dear country rather than remain in an unserious structure that is neither desirous of, nor prepared for, victory.”
His words: “All that is left for me is to introduce some of the former PDP leaders from across the state, labor activists, market traders, members of NATA, artisans in politics, and youth activists who are with us on this historic journey.
“From Akure North, we have Hon Ebenezer Alabi, former Chairman of PDP, Hon Femi Ofakunrin, Dr Gbenga Ojo, Prince Ademeso Adekunle, and Hon Akin Fagoroye. From Ilaje, we have Hon Victor Kolade Akinjo, Hon Victor Adesoji Ayenuro, Prince Olumide Olugbebi, and many others.
“Leading the group from Akoko South East is Mr. Tunde Atere, who was joined by the Chairman of PDP in Akoko South East.
“From Ifedore, we have Engr Gboye Adegbenro leading the team.
“Akure South has Architect Jide Adejuyigbe, Ms. Taiye Afilaka, Yeyeoge Funlola Oluwadare (Alhaja Way), Engr Tope Adetuberu, and many others. From Owo, we have Hon Lad Ojomo, Hon Gbenga Clement Aro, Dr. Duromola M.K, Comrade Femi Bosede, and Engr Alex Akinyemi, among others.
“From Okitipupa, we have Rt Hon Jumoke Akindele, Hon Gboluga Ikengboju, Dr. Dapo Iwala, Omoba Eni Akinsola, and others.
“From Irele, we have Hon Idowu Ogunmade, Barr Olumide Ogunje, and many others.
“In all, we have a comprehensive list of over 5000 leaders at various levels, including chairmen of Local Governments, Ward Chairmen, and community leaders all of the PDP moving today into the APC.
“We are not stopping; we are also asking our colleagues to immediately move into their wards and units to join the existing APC structure for the seamless victory of the APC and its candidate, His Excellency Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.”
Receiving the new members into APC, the Chairman of the party, Engr. Ade Adetimehin said the best materials have left the PDP. He said the best among the smaller political parties have also joined the APC.
Adetimehin said the other person that is left in the opposition is Dr Rahman Mimiko who all his grassroots supporters of the former governor have joined the APC.
He said, “Winning an election is the gladiators who mobilize the voters, not the other way round. If PDP said they are not affected, it is a falsehood. They cannot manage their party. We will not use and dump you.
“We will make sure you are taken care of. No winner, no joiner. We are one family. We have fused. We will not discriminate against you.”
In his reaction, Aiyedatiwa said the movement of associates and allies of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko into the APC finally seals the unification of all the credible political tendencies in the state.
Aiyedatiwa said the APC has all the major players of the Adefarati era, all the major players of the Agagu era, and now all the key players of the Mimiko era in one party, all in the bid to move the state forward on all fronts.