The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State faced a significant setback this week. More than 1,000 party leaders from all 18 local government areas defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) members formed the majority of defectors. They were formally received at the APC secretariat in Akure.
APC Leadership Welcomes New Members
APC State Chairman Ade Adetimehin welcomed the defectors. He urged them to mobilize grassroots support for the 2027 presidential election.
“This is the party of victory,” Adetimehin declared. “We don’t discriminate between old and new members in APC.”
He credited President Tinubu’s performance for attracting new members. Key factors included infrastructure projects and appointments.
“Your capacity determines rewards here,” the chairman emphasized. “We must deliver a landslide victory through hard work.”
Defectors Cite Infrastructure Improvements
Defection leader Ojo Adewole explained their decision. President Tinubu’s road projects and Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s leadership motivated the move.
“Tinubu’s continuation of previous administration’s road projects impressed us,” Adewole stated. Transport workers feel road improvements more directly than others.
He highlighted specific infrastructure developments changing their operations. These include the Benin-Ilesa Expressway dualisation and Ore-Ondo-Akure expansion.
The coastal highway project also received special mention. Adewole credited Minister Tunji-Ojo for boosting confidence in Ondo.
Pledge for 2027 Elections
The defectors vowed full support for APC’s future success. “We won’t disappoint the minister or the party,” Adewole promised.
They committed to massive mobilization across Ondo State. Their goal is ensuring Tinubu’s convincing victory in 2027.
APC leadership views the defection as significant. It signals the party’s growing dominance in Ondo politics.
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