Festus Akingbaso, the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming 2024 election, officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with over 10,000 supporters.
Akingbaso, who currently represents Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, led the mass defection despite heavy rainfall in his hometown of Idanre.
He was warmly received by the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who commended his decision to join the APC.
Represented at the event by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, the governor praised Akingbaso for his courage and political foresight.
He said that “I want to congratulate our people in Idanre and Ifedore for having a worthy son, who has been representing you well at the national assembly.
“Hon Akingbaso has witnessed all that the APC is doing in Ondo state and at the federal level. We are happy to receive him and members of the PDP,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa also expressed confidence in the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the policies were beginning to yield tangible results across sectors.
The state chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, officially presented the party flag to Akingbaso during the ceremony. He declared that with Akingbaso’s defection, Idanre and Ifedore would now be fully aligned with the ruling party.
Adetimehin said that “The federal constituency used to be divided for APC and PDP but with the defection of Hon Akingbaso to our party Idanre/Ifedore will henceforth record 100 percent votes for the APC.”
He urged residents of the state to rally behind President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and declared that Ondo was now firmly in support of the APC.
In his response, Akingbaso expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his inclusive leadership and commitment to the welfare of the people.
Akingbaso said he took the decision to join the APC to support the governor in his quest to bring governance closer to the grassroots.
According to him, “As a member of the national assembly for two years, I have witnessed the giant strides of President Tinubu at the top level and it is important that I bring my supporters to work with the Governor in Ondo for the overall success of the party.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Kola Ademujimi, former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Olusegun Mimiko, praised the ongoing national reforms under President Tinubu and threw his full support behind the APC government.
Ademujimi promised that Idanre/Ifedore will support Governor Aiyedatiwa to enable the President return for another term.