The deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election in Ondo State, Hon. Festus Akingbaso, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akingbaso, who currently represents the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was formally received into the APC on Thursday by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at a high-profile event attended by party leaders and supporters across the state.
Although Akingbaso had earlier announced his defection on the floor of the National Assembly two months ago, Thursday’s ceremony marked his formal reception into the party alongside thousands of his supporters from the federal constituency.
Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Governor Aiyedatiwa hailed Akingbaso’s decision as a “landmark political development” in Ondo State. He commended the lawmaker’s performance at the national level and assured him and other defectors of full integration into the APC.
“I congratulate the people of Idanre and Ifedore for having a worthy representative. Hon. Akingbaso has seen the transformation under the APC both at the state and federal levels. His defection will further unite the constituency under one progressive umbrella,” Adelami said.
He expressed optimism that with Akingbaso’s defection, the Idanre/Ifedore axis would now deliver 100 percent votes for the APC in future elections.
APC state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, who handed the party’s flag to Akingbaso, described the lawmaker’s defection as a game-changer. He urged residents of the constituency to rally behind President Bola Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa to achieve the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his remarks, Akingbaso cited President Tinubu’s track record and courage in tackling Nigeria’s economic challenges as key factors behind his defection. He also praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership style and developmental focus.
“As a member of the National Assembly, I have seen firsthand the progress President Tinubu is making. It is only right to join hands with him and the Governor in advancing our state and country,” Akingbaso stated.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Kola Ademujimi, former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who also defected with Akingbaso, declared support for Tinubu’s administration and pledged loyalty to Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.
Notable dignitaries present included Senator Niyi Adegbomire (Ondo Central), Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde (Executive Director, Corporate Services, NDDC), Hon. Derin Adesida (Akure North/South Federal Constituency), Dr. Seun Osemaye (Ondo Commissioner for Women Affairs), and Hon. Oluwatosin Ajirotutu (Idanre State Assembly member), among others.
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