Priscilla Ofunre, Ado-Ekiti
A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last elections, Mr. Olakunle Ojo and his supporters, have dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ojo, son of the first Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Afolabi Ojo defected, on Friday, at Ward 11 in Ado-Ekiti.
He said he took the decision because his former party had betrayed the people and no longer a good vehicle that can advance his political course and that of his followers.
Ojo was received by APC State Deputy Chairman, Hon. Sola Elesin, APC Chairman, Ado Local Government, Hon. Mike Akinleye and Chairman of Ward II, Mr. Adegoke on behalf of the State Working Committee, chaired by Hon. Paul Omotoso.
Speaking on behalf of the SWC, Elesin said the 2022 governorship election would be a walkover for the party, when Governor Fayemi completes the implementation of his 4-cardinal agenda.
He said the governor can only achieve this if the ruling party enjoys stability and unity of purpose among members.
“The leader of the defectors is an illustrious son of Ado-Ekiti. His father served Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti in general. So, he will add value to us.
“We don’t recognise factions in APC. We are one and indivisible entity, so don’t create crisis, because we are all equal.
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“Don’t discriminate against anybody, the new and old members are one. Our government has begun youth empowerment like; the Ekiti State Peace corps, Social Security Scheme for the elderly, among others, we want to tell you that all the new joiners will enjoy the same privileges like the old members.”
APC chairman, Ado Local Government Area, Mr. Mike Akinleye, said the defectors would enjoy the same privileges within the party as old members.
He urged the party members to have confidence in Governor Kayode Fayemi’s ability to be able to turn around the fortunes of the state by his deep and astute approach to governance .
Speaking further, the Ado-Ekiti born said: “My journey started in PDP, but it will was a very awkward and disappointing one. We were not taken care of. I only took an Israelites’ journey by passing through the PDP.
“Let me assure you, I will continue to do my best to promote APC, because I believe I have a good future in the party and for the fact that I am a progressive.
“I don’t believe in polarisation, I will ensure that all our people are loyal to Governor Kayode Fayemi and the leaders of the party at all levels”, he said.