A significant shift in Ogun State's political landscape occurred on Sunday as former PDP state Chairman, Hon. Sikirullahi Ogundele, led a group of prominent party members to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors, including former state Publicity Secretary Akinloye Bankole, former PDP Youth Leader Oyejide Sukanmi, and State Women Leader Kemi Adeyemi, were received by Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, APC governorship candidate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, and state party Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi.
The mass defection took place at a grand reception in Ilaro, the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area. Ogundele explained that the decision to leave the PDP was due to the party's collapse, likening it to a burning house that no right-thinking person would remain in. He cited the recent movement of governors and prominent politicians away from the PDP as evidence of the party's deep crisis.
Ogundele stressed that staying in the PDP would amount to political suicide for leaders like himself. He expressed confidence that the APC would provide a better platform for the defectors to contribute to the state's development. The former PDP state Chairman also addressed the crisis surrounding the indigeneship status of APC governorship candidate Adeola.
Ogundele described allegations questioning Adeola's Ogun roots as a recurring feature in the state's governorship contests. He urged party supporters to disregard these claims, citing similar allegations made against past governors, including Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and Ibikunle Amosun. Despite these allegations, they all won elections, according to Ogundele.
The defectors were welcomed into the APC by the state's top leaders, who expressed enthusiasm about the new additions. Governor Abiodun, Senator Adeola, and Chief Sanusi acknowledged the significance of the defection, emphasizing its potential impact on the state's politics.
Ogundele's defection and that of his group have sparked mixed reactions within the state's political circle. While some have hailed the move as a strategic decision, others have expressed concerns about the potential consequences for the PDP. The development has also raised questions about the APC's chances in the upcoming elections.
As the state's politics continue to evolve, the impact of Ogundele's defection and the APC's new strategies will be closely monitored. The party's ability to integrate the new members and capitalize on the momentum generated by the defection will be crucial in determining its success in the future elections.
Key points
- Ogun State's former PDP chairman, Sikirullahi Ogundele, leads prominent members to defect to APC.
- Ogundele cites PDP's collapse as reason for defection.
- Defectors were received by Governor Dapo Abiodun, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, and Chief Yemi Sanusi.
