Over 1,000 members of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, on Wednesday, introduced their defection to the Peoples Democratic Social gathering.
The defectors, from the 208 wards and the 18 native authorities areas of the state, mentioned they have been able to work for the governorship candidate of the PDP, Mr Agboola Ajayi, to win the November 16 governorship election.
Their promise didn’t, nonetheless, hassle the Fortunate Aiyedatiwa Marketing campaign Organisation Foot Troopers, as its spokesman, Mr Kayode Fasua, described the defectors as political jobbers who underwent gown rehearsal to please their paymasters.
The PUNCH stories that the marketing campaign for the governorship election in Ondo State, as introduced by the Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee, started on June 19.
At a rally held on the Akure city corridor on Wednesday, the defectors have been acquired by Ajayi and the state management of the PDP.
Welcoming them into the celebration, Ajayi mentioned there had been struggling, starvation and anger within the land, following the alleged maladministration of the APC-led authorities within the state.
The previous deputy governor mentioned if voted into energy in November, he would offer the individuals of the state with a greater various, saying the PDP was able to reposition the state for the higher.
He urged the brand new members to hitch fingers with different members and work for the PDP to win the forthcoming ballot.
“We’re working very exhausting to regain the state and we should be strategic about it to emerge victorious within the November 2024 election, as a result of the individuals of the state are trying as much as us.
“As new members, I guarantee you of all rights, identical with members of our celebration. We’ll be sure that you profit from each alternative relating to the welfare of members with out sentiments,” he mentioned.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the PDP, Mr Tola Alabere, mentioned the umbrella of the PDP was extensive sufficient to accommodate extra members, as he assured the defectors of equal remedy and equity.
“I’m assured that his election will mark a speedy development within the state and you’re welcome to hitch this transferring practice as companions to reposition the state towards growth,” Alabere mentioned.
Talking on behalf of the defectors, the previous APC Organising Secretary in Akure South Native Authorities, Akinwande Fayinminu, mentioned they determined to depart the ruling celebration following an alleged lack of inside democracy.
“The APC lacks inside democracy, a purpose the celebration is factionalised. Because it got here into energy, leaders haven’t built-in many members. They’re working the celebration like an occult. We are able to’t keep in such a celebration any longer,” Fayinminu said.
Fasua, nonetheless, waved off the power of the defectors, saying they have been rented.
“The group on the so-called PDP rally in Akure immediately was largely rented. This was amplified by the ugly spectre of individuals preventing over service cash, after the jamboree.
“Little doubt, campaigns are simply beginning and the comfortable individuals of Akure, who’re impressed with the masses-oriented programmes of Governor Fortunate Aiyedatiwa, will troop out en mass to indicate gratitude as soon as the APC campaigners mount the stump.
“Those that reportedly mentioned starvation chased them from APC to PDP are mere political jobbers, who underwent gown rehearsal to please their paymasters.
“They’ll quickly be seen lobbying to play the identical function, utilizing the opposite facet of the coin, when one other political celebration involves city for campaigns,” he mentioned.