Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday formally welcomed Hon. Dayo Awude, leaders of other political parties, and their supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Awude, a former Commissioner and ex-State Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the last governorship election.
The event, which took place at Akure City Hall, was attended by defectors under the platform of the Sunshine Grassroots Network from parties including the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Addressing the gathering, Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the new members, describing their decision to join the APC as a wise move.
“In Ondo State, there is no room for coalition, it is one APC. People join political parties for different reasons, but the interest of the party must always supersede every other interest, and for us in the APC, that interest is to retain power,” he said.
The governor said the APC was well-positioned to achieve its objectives, pointing to what he described as evidence of good governance at both the federal level under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and in Ondo State under his administration.
“The whole of Ondo State is for President Tinubu come 2027, and the decision of these defectors to join us today is a strong step towards that goal. Joining our party is an assurance that we will do greater numbers and further strengthen the APC ahead of the presidential election,” Governor Aiyedatiwa stated.
Awude, announcing his defection, said his decision was driven by alignment with the progressive ideals and developmental agenda of the APC-led government.
“I have joined the APC to add value, and I assure Mr. Governor that he will see it. I urge all our party faithful to return to their units and wards to fully integrate themselves. I am here for progress to support President Bola Tinubu and to support the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa,” he said.
Another defector, former SDP Secretary Dele Ogunbameru, said he had faced several challenges in his previous party and felt more at home in the APC, where he intends to contribute his experience to strengthen the party.
Ondo State APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, while welcoming the defectors, described Awude as “a man of capacity” and stressed the importance of political strength at the grassroots.
“Any politician who cannot deliver his unit and ward is not a politician. I urge all our new members to work towards strengthening the party at the grassroots. Therefore, on behalf of the National Chairman of our party, I want to formally welcome you into APC and I thereby hand you over to the Leader of our party in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa,” Adetimehin said.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; House of Representatives member for Akure North/Akure South, Hon. Derin Adesida; Akure South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Fasua; members of the State Executive Council; and APC leaders.
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