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Osun 2022: Over 500 PDP loyalists defect to APC in Ayedade LGA

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Logo of APC and PDP
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… attribute decision to Oyetola’s excellent performance in all sectors

…we’re coasting to victory already — APC

 

The ranks of the main opposition party in Osun — the People’s Democratic Party, PDP — have been  heavily depleted as over 500 of its  members have denounced their membership to join the ruling  All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ayedade Local Government Area of the State precedent to the July 16 governorship election.

The defectors attributed their decision to the modest achievements the ruling party under the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has recorded in the last three and half years.

This is even as the leadership of the APC in the State said the mass defection was a pointer to the fact that the party was already coasting to victory in the forthcoming guber poll.

Until the official announcement of their defection, the defectors were members of five different PDP groups who have pitched tent with the ruling party, having expressed satisfaction with the way and manner the APC is being run, the government’s good governance scorecard, provision of quality and the purposeful leadership of the Governor.

The electoral umpire– the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC — has fixed July 16 for the governorship election in the State and the recent defection would in no doubt contribute significantly to the positive turnout and performance of the ruling party particularly in affected areas.

Speaking on behalf of the decampees on Sunday, the leader of the defectors, Chief Raufu Lukman, noted that their decision was hinged on the quest to collectively advance the state with the members of the ruling party.

Chief Lukman who was very enthusiastic and upbeat said they willingly packed their belongings from the PDP, having attested to the quality of leadership and membership of the ruling party who he described as “worthy party men and women of virtue”.

He said further: “As you can see, we are here today in large number to confidently denounce our membership from the PDP and as well announce to the whole world that we are in APC, the party that means well for the masses.

“Our decision to leave the former party at this critical time is an indication of the fact that the present Administration under the leadership of Governor Oyetola has performed creditably well in all the sectors of the economy and we are bent to contribute our own quota to collectively advance our State for the good and betterment of the citizenry.

“My colleagues and I who are members of the defecting groups running to 500 to 550 members are resolute to work collectively with others to ensure all-round victory for the party”, he added.

Receiving the defectors, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, commended the decampees for taking a bold step to join the ruling party whose imprints remain unparalleled in the history of the State.

Mr Oyebamiji said: “I’m happy today because members of the opposition party — the PDP have seen and reckoned with the great things we have achieved and consequently seen the need to join the progressive family. This is a rare feat and a good thing for our party and our members, particularly in Irewole Federal Constituency.

“The implication of their decision remains the fact that the APC is the party to beat and the party that is taking the State to promised land. This is in line with the adage that says, ‘If you can’t beat them you join them’. This is in fulfilment of the directive of Mr. Governor to win more members into our folds and we thank God that many have seen the good things that our Governor has done in all the aspects of the economy.

“To us as party loyalists, this is a challenge for us to further encourage Mr. Governor to do more since his good works have been manifesting for the goodness of the state and members of the party.

“Allah be on our side, certainly, we’re going to win. 500 people from PDP is not a joke and this will affect us positively. By the grace of God, we’re going to record landslide victory in all the local government areas of the State”.

In their separate remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Mrs. Christiana Ogunfolaju; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Mr. Sunday Akere and APC State Women Leader, Mrs Kudirat Fakokunde, described the decision of the defectors as a reflection of the acceptability of Governor Oyetola.

According to them, the defection is a testament to the monumental achievements of Governor Oyetola in the past three and half years in Osun and it shows that the State under his watch has made unprecedented successes.

 

 

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Politics

2027: Obi Unsure of ADC Presidential Ticket, Emphasises Commitment to ‘Cause’

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Peter Obi
Peter Obi
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Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he is uncertain about securing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in a video circulating on social media, Obi told supporters that his focus remains on a broader political mission rather than personal ambition, noting that there is no guarantee he will emerge as the party’s flagbearer.

“I cannot be certain that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. What matters is that we are committed to a cause,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor reflected on Nigeria’s current political climate, questioning how the situation evolved and the potential consequences if ongoing reform efforts are abandoned.

“I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project,” he added.
Obi also reaffirmed his commitment to his ideals despite reported threats, while expressing appreciation to his supporters for their continued loyalty.

“It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, raised concerns over the uncertainty of political alliances, warning about the possibility of shifting loyalties among stakeholders.
“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Ogun Lawmakers Back Tinubu’s 2027 Bid, Endorse Adeola for Governor

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Senator Solomon Adeola and President Bola Tinubu
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No fewer than 20 members of the Ogun State House of Assembly have declared support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing his administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure development as key achievements.

The endorsement, announced on Wednesday in Abeokuta, aligns with an earlier position taken by the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Governor Dapo Abiodun and other party stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sherrif Yusuf, said the decision reflects confidence in the President’s efforts to stabilise the economy and expand critical infrastructure nationwide.

According to Yusuf, the administration has made notable progress in fiscal reforms and road development connecting key economic corridors, adding that continuity would help consolidate ongoing gains.

The lawmakers also unanimously endorsed the governorship ambition of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, describing him as an experienced legislator with a strong record of performance and commitment to public service.

Yusuf highlighted Adeola’s contributions in the National Assembly, including leadership roles in strategic committees and advocacy for development projects and empowerment initiatives across Ogun State.

In addition, the Assembly members expressed support for Governor Abiodun’s future political aspirations beyond his current tenure, noting that his administrative experience and governance record position him for higher responsibilities.

The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to the APC, pledging continued support for leaders whose policies and vision align with the aspirations of the people of Ogun State and Nigeria.

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Aduda Defects to APC, Pledges Abuja Win for Tinubu in 2027

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Senator Philip Aduda at that APC National Secretariat Abuja
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Former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Tanimu Aduda, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the 2027 general elections.

Aduda was formally received into the APC on Tuesday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, where the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, handed him the party’s insignia in the presence of key members of the National Working Committee and supporters.

Welcoming the former lawmaker, Yilwatda described the APC as Nigeria’s leading progressive platform, highlighting ongoing economic reforms and major infrastructure projects under Tinubu’s administration. He pointed to the Sokoto–Badagry road project as a strategic corridor expected to boost agriculture, commerce, and national connectivity, adding that recent policies have strengthened the non-oil sector and improved the country’s trade balance.

Explaining his decision, Aduda said his defection was informed by “alignment and realignment,” citing what he described as visible development strides in the FCT. He commended Tinubu for granting the territory autonomy from the Treasury Single Account and establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, moves he said have enhanced career progression for civil servants.

“I was in the minority for nearly seven years and couldn’t secure a ministerial slot for the FCT. This President has recognised us and given us representation in the Federal Executive Council,” Aduda stated.

He dismissed opposition parties in the territory as weak, expressing confidence that the APC would dominate the FCT in 2027. He also referenced the party’s performance in recent area council elections, where it secured five out of six councils, as evidence of its growing political strength.

Also speaking, FCT APC Chairman, Abdulmalik Usman, described Aduda as a political heavyweight whose defection would significantly boost the party’s electoral prospects. He noted that the APC is well-positioned to mobilise over 1.7 million registered voters in the FCT ahead of the next general elections.

The high-profile defection is expected to reshape political alignments in Abuja, as parties begin early strategic positioning for the 2027 polls.

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