A mass defection has hit the Peoples democratic Party in Ondo State.
This follows the defection on Tuesday of several political heavyweights in the state from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress.
Femi Agagu, the brother of a former Governor of Ondo State, late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, led the pack of those who defected on Tuesday.
Agagu, also a former Chief of Staff during his brother’s tenure as governor, defected alongside a former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Taofiq Olawale Abdusalam; Dr. Adeluse Obe, Dr. Banji Ajaka, Hon. Victor Olabimtan, Segun Adagunodo, Laitan Ayeni, Otunba Rasak Isijola, Kunle Adebayo, Abiodun Jerome, Bukola Tenabe, Eni Akinsule, Tolu Fadahunsi, Ola Ilesanmi, Jones Akinyugha, Jide Ipinsagba, Tola Wewe and Akin Aibinuomo.
Agagu said during the defection: “We have resolved to embrace change which the APC represents and drum support for the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as well as all the candidates of the party.
“We took this decision after lengthy sessions of consultation with friends, political associates as well as supporters in all the 203 wards of the state.
“We have also received the confidence of distinguished elder statesmen, non political young and elderly citizens, who are concerned about the future of our dear state and country.
“Today is indeed a watershed in the political history of Ondo State.
“Never before have so many notable people chosen to leave a political party at the same time like this.
“There are several reasons for our decision, but most important is the obvious fact that Nigeria needs change and Ondo State, a new direction.
“We need change, which is the burden of good, honest, diligent, prepared, tested and competent leadership.
“Change, which is a mission to a destination of greatness, where our state and nation ought to be.
“Change from broken promises, broken infrastructures, broken confidence, broken trust, broken leadership and broken future, all from which our people suffer.
“We also need change to ensure Ondo State people are not left behind in the current movement for a new direction and path for the greatness of Nigeria.
“At this juncture, it is our conviction that Ondo State people are progressive in nature and would fare better in a party that has progressive ideologies and focused leadership.” Agency report
