Over 1,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This mass defection, which includes members from all 208 wards and 18 local government areas, is a significant boost for PDP’s governorship candidate, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, as the November 16 election approaches.
Despite this development, the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation remains unfazed. Spokesman Kayode Fasua dismissed the defectors as political opportunists staging a show for their sponsors.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that the campaign for the Ondo State governorship election began on June 19.
At a rally held at Akure town hall, Ajayi and the PDP state leadership welcomed the new members. Ajayi criticized the APC-led government for poor governance and promised a better alternative if elected.
Ajayi encouraged the new members to work together with existing members to ensure a PDP victory. He assured them of equal rights and opportunities within the party.
“We are working hard to reclaim the state. It is crucial to strategize for victory in the November 2024 election because the people of Ondo State are counting on us,” Ajayi said.
State PDP Chairman Tola Alabere guaranteed fair treatment for the defectors, emphasizing the party's openness to new members.
“I am confident that Mr. Ajayi’s election will bring rapid growth to the state. Welcome aboard as partners in our mission to develop Ondo State,” Alabere stated.
Former APC Organising Secretary in Akure South Local Government, Akinwande Fayinminu, cited a lack of internal democracy within APC as the reason for the defection. He described the party as factionalized and exclusive.
“APC’s lack of internal democracy and its factional nature pushed us out. Leaders have not integrated many members, and they run the party like a secret society. We can no longer remain in such an environment,” Fayinminu said.
However, Fasua downplayed the significance of the defections, claiming the rally crowd was mostly rented and not indicative of genuine support.
“The crowd at the PDP rally was largely hired. People were seen fighting over payments after the event. The true support will be visible when APC campaigns begin, with people showing appreciation for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s programs. These defectors are political mercenaries who will switch sides when another party comes calling,” Fasua remarked.