Dr. Sikirulai Ogundele, the former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the collapse of the PDP. Ogundele made this announcement at a reception in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, where he and other former PDP members formally declared their support for the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola. Ogundele described the PDP as a "burning house" and argued that remaining in the party would have been "political suicide."
Ogundele's decision to defect was influenced by the departure of governors and prominent politicians from the PDP, which he believes is evidence of the party's internal crisis. He expressed confidence in Adeola's chances of winning the 2027 governorship election, claiming that Adeola has no serious contender. Ogundele also questioned the political intentions of the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, describing him as a businessman rather than a politician.
The event also featured a prominent former PDP member, Mr. Lisa Adejobi, who corroborated Ogundele's sentiments. Adejobi stated that they joined the APC to be part of a historic political movement and to identify with Governor Dapo Abiodun's efforts to build consensus. Adejobi commended Abiodun for helping to produce a Yewa man as the APC's governorship candidate and noted that their followers are organic and possess Permanent Voter Cards.
The APC Senatorial Chairman for Ogun West, Alhaji Azeez Ekeweme, expressed satisfaction with the defection of the former PDP members, assuring them of full integration into the APC. Ekeweme urged the defectors to commence grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, saying the party is working towards victory. He also encouraged them to work together to achieve their goals.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Kunle Salako, highlighted the significant number of prominent PDP members in Ogun West who have defected to the APC. Salako listed several notable defectors, including Evangelist Titus Eweje, Chief Kemi Adeyemi, and Alhaji Ganiu Dada, and declared that the PDP has lost its political strength in Ogun West. He described the PDP as "dead" in the area.
The state Chairman of the APC, Chief Yemi Sanusi, welcomed the former PDP members, describing their defection as a boost to the APC. Sanusi urged other politicians outside the APC to join the party, assuring them of equal treatment and inclusion. He encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities available in the APC.
The defection of Ogundele and other former PDP members is seen as a significant blow to the PDP in Ogun State. The APC is now gearing up for the 2027 elections, with Adeola as its governorship candidate. The party is working to consolidate its position and secure victory in the elections.
Key points
- Dr. Sikirulai Ogundele, former PDP Chairman in Ogun State, defects to APC.
- Ogundele cites PDP's collapse and describes staying in the party as "political suicide".
- The defection is seen as a significant blow to the PDP in Ogun State.
