Several prominent members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the state’s governorship election on November 16, News About Nigeria reports.
At a reception held in Ondo town to welcome the defectors, state governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by Secretary to the State Government Tayo Oluwatuyi, urged APC members to embrace the new arrivals.
The governor said that unity is important within the party and welcomed the defectors’ decision to join the APC.
“They have joined us now. I call on our leaders to support them and their supporters without any form of rejection,” Governor Aiyedatiwa stated.
“Politics is about numbers and accommodating diverse ideas. We need to work together to achieve our goals.”
The leader of the defectors, Azeez Ademoloye, a former House of Assembly candidate for the SDP in the 2023 general election, explained that their move was motivated by a belief that the APC is best positioned to win the upcoming election.
“After careful consideration, I have concluded that the APC is the party that can drive progress in Ondo State,” Ademoloye said. “I bring with me a substantial following from the SDP, and I am committed to adding value to the APC.”
Hon. Abiola Makinde, representing the Ondo West/Ondo East Federal Constituency, expressed enthusiasm about the defections, viewing them as a sign of the APC’s growing influence in the state.
“The calibre of individuals like Ademoloye is exactly what we need to realise our vision,” Makinde said.
He also pointed out Ademoloye’s entrepreneurial background, which he believes will positively impact the party’s engagement with the youth.
