The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has firmly stated that its prospects for the upcoming governorship election on November 16 will remain strong despite the recent defections of several leaders to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
It is noteworthy that over 5,000 associates of former governor Olusegun Mimiko and various leaders from all 18 council areas of the PDP have shifted their allegiance to the APC. The defectors were officially welcomed into the APC by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state party chairman, Engineer Ade Adetimehin.
In response to this development, the PDP has issued a statement through Ayo Fadaka, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity for the party’s Campaign Organization. Fadaka asserted that the party does not view the defections as a significant loss. He remarked, “We take due cognizance of the actions of some individuals, including Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, who joined the APC two months ago.”
Fadaka further stated, “We restate that prior to their departure, these individuals were already detached from meaningful involvement in our party. Notably, one of them who sought our gubernatorial ticket was initially supported by the APC and later appointed as NDDC Commissioner at the beginning of the Tinubu administration.”
He continued, “Such characters cannot be regarded as assets to our party. They are merely political opportunists who frequently switch parties during election cycles. Their instability means we are not missing them.”
Fadaka added, “They will contribute nothing to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa or the APC; rather, their departure will be detrimental to them. We congratulate Governor Aiyedatiwa and the APC on this development.”
He concluded with a call to those still within the APC: “We urge serious-minded individuals within the APC to recognize that many of their colleagues who were instrumental in past successes have joined us. They should consider aligning with the PDP to aid in our efforts to reposition the state for development and productivity.”