From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Barr. Yemi Ayeni, a former House of Representatives aspirant for Oye Constituency in Ekiti State, has defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ayeni, who expressed interest in representing his people at the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly in the 2023 election, formally declared his defection alongside hundreds of his supporters and loyalists at the APC secretariat in his country home, Oye-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of the state, on Friday.
Before proceeding to the APC secretariat, Ayeni paid a courtesy visit to the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju, at his palace, where the monarch prayed for him and praised him for his philanthropic gestures and efforts at promoting the interests of the town.
At the party’s secretariat, Ayeni and his supporters were warmly received by APC stalwarts into the progressive family, where Hon. Sunday Adunmo addressed the gathering and introduced dignitaries at the well-attended event.
Oye Ward 1 party chairman, Hon. Igboro Ayo, appreciated Ayeni for joining the APC and for his philanthropic gestures in giving succour to the needy and the less privileged people in Oye Local Government and beyond.
The Special Adviser to the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, Chief Mrs Kemisola Olaleye, appreciated the party chieftains and members for their presence and the good work they are doing to ensure victory for the party in the 2026 governorship election and other elections in the state.
Olaleye, in her address, said the defection of Ayeni was like a dream to her, describing him as a big fish for the party and a boost to Oye Local Government.
In her remarks, the Oye Local Government party women leader reiterated the need for the inclusion of women in strategic political positions.
Hon. Ayo Abe from Ire Ward urged the party members to remain steadfast towards the re-election of Governor Oyebanji.
The Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso, appreciated Ayeni for defecting to the ruling party in the state. She described him as a bundle of talent and a reservoir of knowledge.
Defectors from various wards, communities, and towns who are loyal to the Ayeni political family later joined him to renounce their membership of the SDP.
As a resourceful lawyer, Ayeni is a Chartered Arbitrator; member of the International Law Association; Human Rights Association, UK; Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel; Nigerian Bar Association; and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.