A significant number of members from the ruling All Progressives Congress in Ondo State have recently switched allegiance to the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party. This shift occurred close to the upcoming state governorship election, where 16 political parties are set to participate on the 16th of November 2024.
The defectors were welcomed at a gathering in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area, by Dr. Eddy Olafeso, the state Chairman of the Ondo PDP Campaign Council. He assured the new members of fair treatment within the party, emphasizing unity for success in the November election.
Yusuf Abdulateef, a leader among the defectors, cited reasons for their departure from the APC, including dissatisfaction with governance at both state and national levels. Abdulateef rejected monetary inducements from the APC, opting to prioritize the welfare of his supporters over personal gain. The defectors expressed confidence in the PDP candidate, Agboola Ajayi, believing in his ability to lead Ondo State towards progress.
As part of the defection event, Abdulateef was appointed as the Mobilisation Chairman for the PDP Campaign Council in the Ondo South Senatorial District.