From: Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
No fewer than 200 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the nine local government areas in Ogun East senatorial district, on Wednesday, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former PDP members defected in Ijebu Ode during an interactive session by the Ogun East chapter of APC with a gubernatorial aspirant, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade.
Welcoming the PDP members, Chairman of APC senatorial district, Alhaji Folorunsho Elias, said the APC remained the hope of the masses, stressing the achievements of Governor Ibikunle Amosun had further endeared many to APC in the state.
He assured that the decampees would be well accommodated in the new party, noting that a level-playing ground would also be provided for them.
While calling on party members to embark on mobilisation of new members ahead of the 2019 general election, Elias described Akinlade as a ‘worthy governorship aspirant,’ capable of carrying the party’s gubernatorial flag in the state.
Addressing party faithful at the interactive session, Akinlade, who was a three-time member of the House of Representatives, said that if given the mandate, he would continue on the template of development of the incumbent governor.
The ex lawmaker, who hinged his programme on S-H-A-R-P five cardinal points, disclosed the agro cargo airport project would be revisited, while partnership would be sought with private sector on the operation of the Model Schools.
Akinlade, also noted that holistic women and youth empowerment programme will be vigorously pursued stressing efforts will equally be geared towards harnessing the potentials of Ogun State in agriculture and food processing.