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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Mass defection has hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general election, as key leaders across the three senatorial districts dumped the party and declared their support for the governorship bid of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This was contained in a statement signed by Kayode Odunaro, the Media Adviser to Senator Adeola, on Sunday.
According to Odunaro, the mass defection of Ogun PDP chieftains to the APC was solely driven by Senator Adeola’s track record of infrastructure and empowerment, concerns over zoning after eight years of governorship from Iperu-Remo, and the unresolved leadership crisis within the Ogun PDP.
“For over a month, the APC flag bearer has been receiving delegations of top PDP politicians pledging support for his gubernatorial ambition and formally joining the APC,” the statement said.
“In Ogun West, Senator Adeola’s home district, prominent defectors include:
Chief Adesina Adejobi, Apex PDP leader; Hon. Lati Olorode, PDP Apex member; Chief Mrs. Kemi Adeyemi, former PDP State Woman Leader; Hon. Titus Soji Eweje, a former Chairman of Yewa North LG and 2027 House of Reps candidate of PDP, Ganiyu Dada” the statement added.
Odunaro stated further that PDP leaders including Taiwo Akinlabi, former PDP Chairman, Ogun Central; Oyejide Sunkanmi, PDP State Youth Leader; Princess Adejoke Ganiyat Sanni, Ogun Central Woman Leader; Taofeek Ogunjimi, PDP House of Assembly candidate for the 2023 election; and Ahmed Muiz Oladimeji, from Abeokuta North, all in Ogun Central, have also joined the APC.
“Notable PDP figures from Ogun East who have joined the APC and declared their support for Senator Adeola are Hon. Damilare llo, Ogun State House of Assembly member, Sagamu; Hon. Lukmon Adeleye, Odogbolu; Hon. Seun Adesanya, Ijebu North East; Prince Lukman Ajomale, former PDP State Youth Leader; Dr. Niyi Osoba, former Ijebu Ode LGA Chairman; and Otunba Tope Tokoya, two-term Council Chairman”, Odunaro stressed.
The statement also noted that Sikirulai Ogundele, former PDP State Chairman, and Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade, former PDP deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, had earlier joined the ruling party.
“Responding, Senator Adeola assured all new members of full integration into APC structures from the ward level with equal rights.
“Be rest assured that you are fully accepted into our party as full members with equal rights of membership. My philosophy of party affairs and governance is that of inclusion and sense of belonging for all,” Senator Adeola was quoted to have said in the statement.
He added that arrangements are being made for an official public declaration of the new APC members before the commencement of political campaigns in September.
