There’s a tremendous twist in the political calculations ahead of the off-circle gubernatorial election in Ondo State, as associates and foot soldiers of former governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko openly and officially defected to the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state.
Receiving the defectors to APC on Wednesday at the party’s headquarters in Akure, Ondo State capital, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa welcomed the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) members to the party.
This defection has ultimately cemented the political deal between the former governor and the incumbent governor.
Governor Aiyedatiwa declared that “the APC now has all the major players of the late Governor Ade Adefarati era, all major players of the late Governor Olusegun Agagu era and now all the key players of the Governor Olusegun Mimiko era in one party in a bid to move Ondo State forward on all fronts.”
At the defection, no fewer than 29 stauch political bigwigs, who held sway during the administration of Dr. Mimiko, were disclosed to have informed APC of their decision to dump PDP in August.
The set of associates and allies of Mimiko, who officially defected on Wednesday were said to be the first set of PDP chieftains who belong to Mimiko’s camp in PDP.
Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed that a large number of more associates of the former governor are still expected to officially cross carpet to APC from the 18 local government areas of the state.
The set of chieftains of PDP, who defected to APC on Wednesday, were led by a two-term member of House of Representatives and former Labour leader, Hon Akinlaja Joseph.
Among other political bigwigs, who defected to APC, are Hon Alaba Lad Ojomo, Rt Hon Jumoke Akindele, Hon Victor Akinjo and Hon Gboluga Ikengboju.
The new defectors disclosed that since the took the decision, they had moved round 203 wards in the state to enlist their friends, colleagues and followers to enhance their commitment to the cause of the APC, the people of Ondo State and Nigeria.
Speaking extempore after the official defection, Akinlaja said: “We have said it before, but it needs to be restated that we are joining the APC mostly from the PDP to contribute our own quota to the seamless victory of His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the APC in the forthcoming election.
“Also, 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.
“All that is left for me is to introduce some the former PDP leaders from across the state, labour 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, Hon Akin Fagoroye (Big Joe) and many others.
“From Ilaje LGA, we have Hon Victor Kolade Akinjo, Hon Victor Adesoji Ayenuro, Prince Olumide Olugbebi and many others.
“Leading the group from Akoko South East is Barrister Tunde Atere, who is being joined by the Chairman of PDP in Akoko South East, Hon… among others.
“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 Alaba Lad Ojomo, Hon Gbenga Clement Aro, Dr Duromola M.K, Comrade Femi Bosede, 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.
“We can go on and on. In all, we have a comprehensive list of over 5000 leaders at various levels, including chairmen of LGAs, 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 existing APC structure for the seamless victory of the APC and its candidate, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.”
