Scores of political party members in Oyo State on Saturday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The defectors were received during a local meeting of the party held at Elekuro High School, Ogbere in Ona-Ara area of the state.

The defectors were received by the APC governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin and the Oyo Central Senatorial Candidate, Yunus Akintunde.

The PDP defectors were reportedly led by Mogaji Akinjide, while Elder A Kalejaye led the SDP defectors into the APC.

Fatai Ibikunle, the Chairman, National Lottery Commission, welcomed the defectors to the APC on behalf of Senator Folarin.

He assured them of fairness and equity in their new party, promising that they would benefit from every opportunity regarding the welfare of old members.

“I welcome you to our great party, APC as new members, and assure you of all rights accrued to the rest of our members.

“We will ensure that you benefit from every opportunity regarding the welfare of members without sentiments,” he said, charging them to mobilise for the victory of APC candidates in 2023.

Mr Akinjide, who led the PDP defectors, said they were pleased with the reception accorded them by Mr Folarin.

Mr Kalejaye, who led the SDP defectors, said the performance of Mr Folarin and his emergence as APC governorship candidate informed their defection.

He said that the victory of APC in the upcoming 2023 general elections would benefit the Ona-Ara Local Government Area and the entire state.

Mr Folarin commended the defectors and promised to carry them along in all party affairs and ensure that they benefited from all available opportunities.

The governorship candidate urged them to go to their various wards and attend party meetings regularly for updates concerning the party.

Kolawole Waliyu (Ikoko) and Amidu Olapade were among those who defected to the APC.

Mr Folarin was accompanied by Kehinde Olaosebikan, Hammed Bodunrin, Remi Sodiq, Waheed Ajibade and Mojeed Delesolu among others.

(NAN)