Tsunami in Ondo PDP as 29 Mimiko’s aides, associates join APC
A gale of defections on Wednesday hit the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) as 29 associates of former governor Olusegun Mimiko defected to the All Progressives Congress(APC).
Thefrontrank reports that the defectors formally joined APC in a meeting with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure.
Earlier, in a statement titled “We Have Joined the APC”, the 29 defectors said that they took the decision to be part of a clear effort to reposition the state on the path of continuous prosperity and peace.
The statement read: “We the undersigned citizens of Ondo State, associates of the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and political leaders in our own rights, after series of consultations and discussions resolved to join and have joined the All Progressives Congress APC, most of us having resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
“Our reasons for joining the APC could be summarised as follows: the need to be part of the processes that will lead to the election of Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as Governor of Ondo State; the need to be part of an obvious effort to reposition our state on the path of continous prosperity and peace; and the need to contribute to the efforts of the President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to frontally tackle the challenges facing our nation and bring needed peace, equity and progress to the states and the country at large.
“We state that there are local and personal realities that also underlie our decision either as individuals or as a group. The fact that the PDP as currently run is not being positioned for victory either at the State level or at the national level makes our decision most auspicious at this moment.
“We agree that our nation is facing some challenges that are as a result of cummulative errors of the past as well as direct unavoidable consequences of efforts to correct them by the current president.
“We however are firm in our believe that a committed dedication to the path of reforms as being pursued by the President will definitely take our country out of the woods. Hence our decision to be part of the solution rather than being part of the problem.
“We have in the past few days been mobilising our colleagues, friends and associates to join the APC across the State and be part of the progress and development that our State and nationares headed for.
“We do not boast of any magic wand but are ready to commit time and energy to the growth and progress of the party we have chosen to join, a party that has consistently proved to be more open to new members and new ideas.
“We are committed to work within our new party for the collective good of all.
“We need to state that many more of our colleagues and associates will be joining in the days and weeks ahead for the same reasons identified above. We add that flowing from our interactions with HE Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the Chairman of the APC, Hon Ade Adetimehin, the date and time of an official welcome programme will be announced soon.”
E- Signed
- Hon Joseph Akinlaja
- Rt Hon Jumoke Akindele
- Engr Gboye Adegbenro
- Hon Kolade Akinjo
- Hon Gboluga Ikengboju
- Chief Alaba Lad Ojomo
- Engr Jide Adejuyigbe
- Barr Tunde Atere
- Hon Ebenezer Alabi
- Hon Ajani Oladipo
- Yeyeoge Funmilola Oluwadare
- Com Solomon Adelegan
- Com Femi Bosede
- Chief Yele Ogundipe
- Com Dayo Akinte
- Dr Dapo Iwala
- Mr Femi Ofakunrin
- Mr Olumide Olugbebi
- Ms Omowumi George
- Mr Gbenga Aro
- Alhaji Rauf Ogunsola (Arowasi)
- Ms Taiye Afilaka
- Hon Adetimehin Badeji Jacob
- Dr Felix Kehinde
- Com Babatunde Sobande
- Hon Idowu Ogunmade
- Mr Olanrewaju Longe
- Mr Abiodun Temenu
- Eni Akinsola