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No fewer than hundred members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass defection came four months to the November 16 governorship election in the state.
The defectors included some state executive members of the SDP and members from the 18 local government areas of the state.
They expressed their readiness to support Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC to retain his seat.
Welcoming the detectors to the ruling party at the SDP office in Akure, Aiyedatiwa expressed his appreciation to them, promising that they would not regret joining the “winning team.”
Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Olayide Adelami, said, “The Social Democratic-All Progressives Congress will be given room to operate freely as there is no segregation in our party.
“I want to assure all of you that you will not regret coming to the APC. We will also ensure that all your interests are protected. You have joined the winning team and we will win together.”
Speaking, one of the leaders of the defectors, Dr. Tope Ajulo, said they decided to dump the SDP, citing lack of fairness and justice, particularly at the national level.
Ajulo said, “Our (SDP) national leaders are fond of using the party to negotiate at every election season. This diminishes the party and takes away its credibility. At every point in time of election, the leaders at the national level trade off the party, neglecting those in states.”
