The momentum of defections to the Peoples Democratic Party,(PDP), especially, from the rulling All Progressive Congress (APC), ahead of the scheduled gubernatorial election in Ondo state, heightened on Tuesday, as Thousands of APC members in various parts of Akoko, in the Northern region of the state, moved to the PDP.At a massive ceremony, in Ikare Akoko, where APC members officially declared for the PDP, the defectors,blamed the uninspiring administrative style of the APC for their decision,even as they also mentioned that the attractive content of the PDP candidate’s manifesto, was also a factor, in their decision to join the PDP train.
Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and PDP Governorship Candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, was on hand to welcome the decampees at the colourful ceremony, which became charged, as Ajayi took to the stage, dancing to the music of popular musician, Jimmy Crown in Ikare Akoko.
Leaders of the 22 groups that decamped to PDP in Ikare cited poverty, suffering, and bad governance as reasons for their defection
The groups that defected to the PDP include the Orun Tailoring Group, Olukare Palace, Lokoja Motor Park, Igbo community, Iyo Meta, and 15 others.
A member of the Tailors association, Noah Adedayo, said they were moved by the content of the PDP candidate’s campaign promises.
” Since the campaign started, the APC candidate has not said anything about what he wants to do differently from the failure of government we are experiencing at the moment.
” But over time, we have been tracking the campaign train of Agbo, and he has been consistent on his promises concerning security, infrastructure, education and health delivery”
According to Adedayo, ” Agbo’s promise of Forest Guard was something we deliberated upon at our meetings before we decided to decamp.
” That singular effort, if actualised, will go a long way in securing our farms and community at large”
Adedayo who mentioned that most of the members of the tailoring association are also farmers, lamented the frightening security situation in the area, even as he pleaded with the PDP candidate to ensure the security issue is tackled first, before any other issue, when he assume office as governor of Ondo State.
Another vocal defector at the ground, Madam Apeke Owolabi, said her motivating factor was the track record of the PDP candidate.
” Agbo is not new to me. I call him talk and do. I know a service oriented politician from those seeking office for personal gain. In this our area, we are determined to deliver for Agbo in November as communities, not as individuals, that’s why we are this much here today, to let him know that we have the number to take him to Alagbaka government house” Owolabi said.
It was a similar story in Auga Akoko where almost all the APC members in the community decamped to the PDP in large numbers.
Akunnu Akoko and Ikakumo, also witnessed the same scenario, as there was a massive movement into the PDP from APC in the communities.
