Ondo Rocked! Mass Defection From PDP To APC Shakes Up State Politics!
Hundreds of PDP members in Ondo State, led by former governorship aspirant Mr. Bosun Arebuwa, have defected to the ruling APC. Their decision is driven by a desire to support President Bola Tinubu's second term, citing his administration's performance. APC leaders, including Chief Olusola Oke, welcomed the new members, urging them to strengthen the party at all levels.
Hundreds of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a significant political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections. This mass defection was spearheaded by Mr. Bosun Arebuwa, a prominent figure who previously vied for the PDP’s governorship ticket in the lead-up to the 2024 gubernatorial election.
The formal reception for the defectors took place at the International Culture and Event Centre in Akure, the state capital, on a recent Friday. The event saw key leaders of the APC, most notably Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, warmly welcoming the new members into the party fold.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Arebuwa articulated the rationale behind their decision, stating that he and his extensive network of supporters, spanning over 3,000 units and 203 wards across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State, had collectively chosen to align with the APC. He emphasized that their move was primarily motivated by a fervent desire to actively support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, citing what they consider to be the commendable performance of the current administration.
“We have left the PDP. We want to join hands with others to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the second term in office. Mr President has done well. We shall use our resources to support him; that is why we joined the winning party,” Arebuwa declared. He reiterated their commitment, adding, “We are leaving the PDP with all our supporters from over 3,000 units and 203 wards across the 18 local government areas of the state. We are ready to work for the APC in Ondo State to ensure President Bola Tinubu and all our candidates win the election in 2027.”
Arebuwa further outlined his immediate objectives within the APC, stating that his primary assignment would be to leverage his considerable political experience and capacity to mobilize robust support for President Tinubu. He expressed strong confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, asserting, “He has done creditably well. We have not had a good President like this before, so that is why we will use all we have to support him.”
In his welcoming address, Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, extended a hearty welcome to the defectors, assuring them that they would find no regrets in joining the APC. He urged them to return to their respective wards and local government areas with renewed vigor to work diligently for the APC and reinforce the party’s structures at the grassroots level. Specifically acknowledging Mr. Bosun Arebuwa, Oke expressed confidence that his arrival would significantly contribute to the progress of the state under the APC’s guidance.