The former leader of the Labour Party, Dayo Awude, and a few lawmakers from other political parties joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, strengthening the party’s position in Ondo State under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
At the state capital of Akure’s Town Hall, Governor Aiyedatiwa formally welcomed Awude and his followers to the APC.
The governor welcomed leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
One well-known grassroots politician in the state is Awude, a former Commissioner and PDP State Vice Chairman.
On Sunshine Grassroots Network, Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the defectors and explained their reasoning for joining the state’s ruling party.
“Ondo State is one APC; there is no room for coalition,” stated Aiyedatiwa. While there are a variety of reasons why people join political parties, the party’s interest must always come first, and for the APC, that priority is holding onto power.
According to the governor, both his own administration in Ondo State and the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exhibit signs of excellent governance.
“The decision of these defectors to join us today is a strong step towards that goal,” stated Aiyedatiwa, adding that the entire state of Ondo is in favor of President Tinubu come 2027. By joining our party, you can be sure that we will increase our representation and fortify the APC before the presidential election.
Awude declared his intention to defect to the APC, stating that he agreed with the present administration’s progressive principles and development plan.
Read Also: Edo APC Counters PDP Over Alleged N3.51bn Travel Expenses
“I joined the APC to add value, and I hope Mr. Governor will see that,” he stated. I implore all of our party’s supporters to go back to their wards and units in order to completely integrate.
“I am here to support Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration and President Bola Tinubu in order to make progress.”
Noting that it influenced his choice to work with the administration, Awude praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership style.
Consequently, he committed to working for the APC’s victory and unity in Ondo State.
Another defector, former Social Democratic Party (SDP) Secretary Dele Ogunbameru, revealed that he had encountered several difficulties within his previous party.
He said he joined the ruling party to share his extensive knowledge and assist advance it, and he felt at home with the APC.
True political strength starts at the unit and spreads to the ward, according to Awude, who was characterized as a man of talent by APC state chairman Engr. Ade Adetimehin.
He declared: “A politician is not a politician if he cannot deliver his unit and ward.” I exhort all of our new members to strive for grassroots party strengthening.
As a result, I would want to formally welcome you to the APC on behalf of our party’s national chairman. I then turn you over to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, our party’s leader in Ondo State.
The State Government’s Secretary, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Prince Segun Omojuwa, the Chief of Staff; Hon. Derin Adesida, a member of the House of Representatives representing Akure North/Akure South; Gbenga Fasua, the Chairman of the Akure South Local Government; members of the State Executive Council; and APC leaders were among the APC chieftains who attended the event.
