The 2024 deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State election, Hon. Festus Akingbaso has defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
The member representing Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency in the House of Representatives reportedly joined the APC with over 10,000 members of his former party.
Receiving the detectors to the APC, Ondo State governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa lauded Akingbaso and his supporters from the PDP for their love for the APC.
Aiyedatiwa who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, praised the people of Idanre for having Akingbaso as a son and representative.
“I want to congratulate our people in Idanre and Ifedore for having a worthy son, who has been representing you well at the National Assembly.
”Hon Akingbaso has witnessed all that the APC is doing in Ondo State and at the federal level. We are happy to receive him and members of the PDP,” Aiyedatiwa said.
While expressing satisfaction at the reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led government, Aiyedatiwa said those reforms were already producing positive results in many areas of the economy.
Handing over the party’s flag to Akingbaso, the state Chairman of the APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin assured that with the defection of Hon. Akingbaso, the Idanre/Ifedore would henceforth record 100 percent votes for the APC.
Adetimehin said, “The federal constituency used to be divided for APC and PDP, but with the defection of Hon Akingbaso to our party, Idanre/Ifedore will henceforth record 100 percent votes for the APC.”
Adetimehin who however urged the people to support President Tinubu in his Renewed Hope Agenda, noted that his reforms were aimed at bringing succor to the common man.
Addressing the mammoth crown that defiled rain to attend the rally, Hon. Akingbaso said he joined the APC to support Governor Aiyedatiwa in his quest to bring governance closer to the grassroots.
While thanking the governor for providing purposeful leadership, and prioritising the welfare of the people of the state, the lawmaker said he has “witnessed the giant strides of President Tinubu at the top level and it is important that I bring my supporters to work with the Governor in Ondo for the overall success of the party.”
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, the Chief of Staff to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Kola Ademujimi, assured that Idanre/Ifedore will support Governor Aiyedatiwa to enable the President return for another term.
Ademujimi also expressed satisfaction with the reforms being carried out by Tinubu, saying they have passed a vote of confidence on his administration.
