5,000 PDP Members Join APC in Ogun State

On Sunday, about 5,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State joined the All Progressives Congress. This event took place in Ilaro, which is the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area.

Most of the defectors came from the Ogun West Senatorial District. They were welcomed into the APC by Governor Dapo Abiodun and Yemi Sanusi, the party chairman in the state.

Sikirullahi Ogundele, the former state chairman of the PDP, said he led other prominent PDP leaders to the APC to escape what he called "political slavery" in his old party, where he spent seven years. He pointed out that many governors and politicians are leaving the PDP, showing the serious problems within the party. He added that it would be a mistake for experienced leaders like him to stay in the PDP.

Ogundele said, "The truth is that there is nothing like the PDP again in the state; what is left behind is an empty shell. The umbrella, which is the symbol of the party, has been shredded into pieces. Some of us have escaped to avoid the PDP's dilapidated house collapsing on us."

He continued, "We have therefore moved away from the opposition party and embraced the APC, which we know will be victorious in the state during the 2027 elections. We are ready to work hard and use our experience to help the APC achieve a great victory in 2027."

Ogundele also talked about the questions surrounding the origin of the APC's governorship candidate. He said these allegations are common in the state's elections. He urged party supporters to ignore doubts about Adeola's Ogun roots, reminding them that similar claims were made against past governors.

He recalled, "They said Amosun is from Benin Republic, Daniel from Delta State, and Osoba from Osogbo. Despite that, they all became governors. So, what is happening against Yayi now shows that he will also win."

Some of the notable people who defected to the APC are Chief Sina Adejobi, Mr Akinloye Bankole, former Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Evangelist Soji Eweje, Alhaji Ganiu Dada (Obanibasiri), and former PDP Woman Leader, Chief Kemi Adeyemi.

Chief Yemi Sanusi, the APC chairman in Ogun State, presented the party's ‘broom’ symbol to the new members. He promised them they would keep their leadership roles in the APC. Sanusi encouraged the defectors to work hard in their wards to ensure the APC wins all elective positions in the state in 2027.

Governor Abiodun praised the new members for their brave move to join the ruling party. He assured them they would be welcomed and fully integrated into the APC.

Abiodun said, "I want to thank those who have seen the light and decided to be part of the APC. We appreciate your courage in joining us as we are excited to have notable politicians from the state supporting the APC government."

He concluded, "I assure you all that you will be included in our plans. Let us work together as one united family and achieve a great victory for the APC in the 2027 elections."