Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency of Ondo State, in their numbers, on Thursday evening defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass defection was led by the constituency’s House of Representatives member, Festus Akingbaso, who had earlier announced his switch from the opposition party to the ruling APC.
The defectors were formally received at a rally in the ancient town of Idanre by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Olayide Adelami.
The governor, who praised Akingbaso for his decision to join the APC alongside his supporters, described the move as a testament to the party’s increasing influence in the state.
While commending the federal lawmaker for his effective representation at the National Assembly, Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence that his defection would strengthen the APC’s foothold in the constituency.
He said, “I want to congratulate our people in Idanre and Ifedore LGAs for having a worthy son, who has been representing you well at the National Assembly. Festus Akingbaso has witnessed all that the APC is doing in Ondo State and at the federal level. We are happy to receive him and members of the PDP.”
According to the governor, the economic transformations of the President Tinubu-led government are already producing positive results in many areas of the economy.
While handing the APC flag to Akingbaso, chairman of the APC in the state, Ade Adetimehin expressed optimism that the Idanre and Ifedore Federal Constituency would henceforth record 100 per cent votes for the APC with the defection of the federal lawmaker.
“The Federal constituency used to be divided for APC and PDP, but with the defection of Hon. Akingbaso to our party, Idanre and Ifedore will henceforth record 100 per cent votes for the APC,” he said.
Adetimehin called on the people to support President Bola Tinubu in his Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at bringing succour to the common man, adding that Ondo State was now fully for the APC.
On his part, Akingbaso, who hailed Aiyedatiwa for providing purposeful leadership and prioritising the welfare of the people of the state, stated that he took the decision to join the APC to support the governor in his quest to bring governance closer to the grassroots.
“As a member of the National Assembly for two years, I have witnessed the giant strides of President Tinubu at the top level, and I must bring my supporters to work with the governor in Ondo for the overall success of the party,” he said.
