A significant number of opposition figures, led by Comrade Taiwo Liadi, the Labour Party Chairman in Ijebu East Local Government, and Hon. Rasheed Abiodun, Labour Party House of Assembly Candidate, have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State. The defection ceremony, which took place at Awobadejo's residence in Ijebu-Ife, was attended by a large crowd and marked a significant shift in the local government's political landscape. The defectors, including Zaccheaus Omolaja Ogunnubi, the convener and leader of the Ijebu East Frontline Political Movement, cited their desire to align with a party that has genuine hope for Nigerians.
The defection has changed the political equation in Ijebu East Local Government in favour of the PDP, amid the growing popularity of the Ogun PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, ahead of the 2027 election. According to a release signed by the Ijebu East PDP Media and Publicity Committee, the defectors have expressed their confidence in Adebutu's leadership and the party's ability to rescue Ogun State and Nigeria. The defectors, including Hon. Tunde Odulana, a grassroots mobilizer, and hundreds of their supporters, have pledged their loyalty and commitment to ensuring the PDP's victory in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Comrade Taiwo Liadi stated that their decision to join the PDP was not taken lightly, but was a result of deep reflection and a desire to align with a party that has a genuine interest in serving the people. Liadi praised Adebutu's capacity, character, and compassion, describing him as a man who loves the people. He also expressed confidence in the party's House of Assembly candidate, Engr. Adeboye Peter Badejo, and other party candidates, citing their selflessness and commitment to serving the people.
The leadership of Ijebu East PDP, led by the party Chairman, Hon. Juwon Lawal, has welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a homecoming and a clear sign of the PDP's growing acceptability in the local government. Lawal assured the new members of full integration, equal rights, privileges, and opportunities as enshrined in the party's constitution. He emphasized that the party is a large umbrella that can accommodate everyone, and that the defectors will be treated as equal members.
Lawal also stated that the collapse of the Labour Party structure in Ijebu East has confirmed that the local government belongs to the PDP, and that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no place in the area come 2027. He urged all party faithful to continue mobilizing more people into the party, noting that the journey to Oke-Mosan Government House with Ladi Adebutu as Governor has begun. The PDP chairman's statement reflects the party's confidence in its ability to win the 2027 election.
The defection has significant implications for the 2027 election in Ogun State, as it bolsters the PDP's presence in Ijebu East Local Government. The PDP's growing popularity in the area is seen as a major boost to Adebutu's governorship campaign. The defectors' decision to join the PDP is also seen as a vote of confidence in the party's leadership and its ability to address the challenges facing the state.
The Ijebu East PDP Media and Publicity Committee has released a statement welcoming the defectors, saying that the party is pleased to have them on board. The committee noted that the defection has further confirmed that Ijebu East is PDP and PDP is Ijebu East, and that the party is poised to win the 2027 election in the area.
Key points
- The defection of hundreds of opposition figures to the PDP in Ogun State has changed the political equation in Ijebu East Local Government in favour of the PDP.
- The defectors cited their desire to align with a party that has genuine hope for Nigerians and the leadership of Ladi Adebutu.
- The PDP's growing popularity in Ijebu East Local Government is seen as a major boost to Adebutu's governorship campaign ahead of the 2027 election.
