Sunday, July 5, 2026

Former commissioner, others dump PDP for APC in Ondo

The governor expressed his gratitude for their decision to join the APC and support his campaign.

• July 17, 2024
PDP rally
PDP rally

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.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Abiodun Oyebanji

States

Ekiti govt orders free treatment for rescued worshippers

Oyebanji directed the Ministry of Health and Human Services to oversee the welfare and well-being of the rescued worshippers.

Oyo abducted pupils and teachers.

States

Rescue operation ongoing for abducted Oyo pupils, teachers: Army chief

The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo.

Gov. Radda vows zero tolerance for gender, child abuse

States

Gov. Radda vows zero tolerance for gender, child abuse

The governor pledged sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen prevention, response, and support mechanisms for GBV victims.

Xenophobia Attacks

Diaspora

Consulate demands justice as another Nigerian killed in South Africa

The consulate called on the South African government to launch an investigation into all alleged murder cases and prosecute perpetrators.

Hockey game used to illustrate the story

Sport

Sports commission reaffirms commitment to hockey revival

Dikko said President Bola Tinubu approved the nationwide rehabilitation of sports infrastructure.

Flood

Ibadan

Oyo govt. desilts waterways to avert flooding

The commissioner said the second phase is currently ongoing across critical river channels and flood-prone locations.