The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State experienced a significant political setback as over 1,000 party leaders across all 18 local government areas defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The mass defection, dominated by National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) members, was formalized during a ceremony at the APC state secretariat in Akure.

APC Leadership Welcomes New Members

APC State Chairman Ade Adetimehin received the defectors, urging them to mobilize grassroots support for the 2027 presidential election. Adetimehin attributed the party’s growing membership to President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure development achievements in Ondo State.

“This is the party of victory. In APC, we don’t discriminate between old and new members,” Adetimehin declared. “Your rewards depend on your contributions. President Tinubu’s road projects and appointments demonstrate effective leadership. We must secure a landslide victory through hard work.”

Defectors Cite Infrastructure and Leadership

Ojo Adewole, speaking for the defectors, explained their decision stemmed from Tinubu’s continuation of road projects initiated by previous administrations and Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s leadership. Adewole emphasized that transport workers particularly benefit from improved road infrastructure.

“As NURTW members, we directly experience the impact of projects like the Benin-Ilesa Expressway dualization, Ore-Ondo-Akure expansion, and coastal highway development,” Adewole stated. “Minister Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to Ondo State further strengthened our decision.”

The defectors pledged to mobilize support for APC’s electoral success, vowing: “We will ensure President Tinubu achieves a convincing victory in 2027.” The APC leadership characterized the defection as evidence of the party’s expanding influence in Ondo’s political landscape.