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As the governorship election in Ondo State draws near, scores of chieftains of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ilaje Local Government Area have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.
The defectors pledged their support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to win the poll and retain his seat.
The defecting PDP chieftains included a former Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Lebi Adepiti, and a former Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission Chairman, Prince Debo Ajimuda.
Welcoming them to his party, Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude for their decision to join the party and support his campaign, describing the development as a strong indication of the Ilaje people’s solidarity for him.
The governor assured the new members that they would retain their leadership roles within the APC, reflecting their positions in the former party.
“The new members would not be marginalised, they would enjoy the benefits and opportunities within the APC,” the governor said.
The Ondo APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, promised that the party would not discriminate against the defectors.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Adepiti said they were committed to mobilising support for Aiyedatiwa in Ilaje and its environs ahead of the coming governorship election.
He said: “We are committed to supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa out of our own free will. We recognise his strong performance since he became the governor and we believe in standing by our brother rather than seeking alternatives."
“We believe it is our duty to unite with him and advance the state. The PDP no longer exists in Ilaje Local Government. We are all committed to the Aiyedatiwa project. We are ready for APC, we are ready to work for you.”
