Scores of leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state ahead of the November 16 governorship poll in the state.

Led by the erstwhile chairman of Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Debo Ajimuda and the former commissioner for environment, Lebi Adepiti, the opposition PDP leaders were received by the APC chairman, Ade Adetimehin at a gathering on Wednesday.

Peoples Gazette reports that the new defectors included ex-political office holders under the former government of ex-governor Olusegun Mimiko.

The leaders, who are mostly from Ilaje LGA of the state, hinged their decision to pitch their tent with the APC to support the governorship ambition of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is seeking to retain office.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mr Adepiti expressed the commitment of the defecting members of the PDP in mobilising support for Mr Aiyedatiwa mostly in Ilaje ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

He said, “We are committed to supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa out of our own free will. We recognise his strong performance since he became governor and we believe in standing by our brother rather than seeking alternatives.

“We believe it is our duty as brothers to unite with him and advance the state. The PDP no longer exists in Ilaje local government. Our ward executives, members, women leaders, councillors, and supervisors are all committed to the Aiyedatiwa project. We are ready for APC, we are ready to work for you.”

The governor expressed his gratitude for their decision to join the APC and support his campaign, describing it as a strong indication of the Ilaje people’s solidarity with him.

He assured the new members that they would retain their leadership roles within the APC, reflecting their positions in the former party while also emphasising that the new members would not be marginalised but would enjoy the benefits and opportunities within the APC.

On his part, Mr Ajimuda solicited an inclusive and enabling environment for the defected members to mobilise grassroots support for Mr Aiyedatiwa ahead of the governorship election.

Receiving them, the APC chairman, Mr Adetimehin stressed that the APC does not discriminate as all members would be given a level playing field.