By: Our Reporter
Intention of the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to retain the seat comes November 16, 2024 governorship election received a major boost on Wednesday 18th September, 2024 when he received key associates and allies of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko from the main opposition party (PDP) into the APC family.
The official defection of the Mimiko’s allies is major blow to the PDP ahead of the election, as Aiyedatiwa described the movement as a final seal to the unification of all the credible political tendencies in Ondo State, now under the APC.
The Governor who spoke at the formal welcome of many former leaders of the PDP into the APC at a massive event held in Akure said, “the APC now has all the key players of the Adefarati era, all the major players of the Agagu era and now all the key players of the Mimiko era in one party all in the bid to move Ondo State forward on all fronts.”
About 29 of political heavyweights of the Mimiko era had announced their intention to ditch the PDP in August. While the first set were being formally welcomed into the APC on Wednesday, many more from across the State also joined.
Leading the new members into the APC, two term member of House of Representative and former Labour leader, Hon Akinlaja Joseph, Hon Lad Alaba Ojomo, Rt Hon Jumoke Akindele, Hon Victor Akinjo and Hon Gboluga Ikengboju among others, said they have since moved round the state to enlist their friends, colleagues and followers to solidify their commitment to the cause of the APC, Ondo State people and Nigeria.
In his speech, 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.”
Saying that the event is not for long speeches Akinlaja reeled out a few names from the throng that just moved in the APC from across the State, organised groups and interests.
He said: “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, 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.”
