In a significant political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, more than 10,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency of Ondo State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass defection took place on Thursday in Idanre town, following the recent announcement by the area’s representative in the House of Representatives, Festus Akingbaso, that he was leaving the PDP for the APC.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, welcomed the new party members and praised Akingbaso for leading the move.
He described the federal lawmaker as a committed and visionary leader who has chosen to align with the developmental strides of the APC at both the state and national levels.
“I congratulate the good people of Idanre and Ifedore for having a representative who is truly committed to the progress of his people,” Aiyedatiwa stated. “Hon. Akingbaso has seen what the APC stands for — development, unity, and transformation — and we are glad to have him and his followers on board.”
Also speaking at the event, the APC chairman in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, said the defection signaled the end of political division in the constituency, expressing confidence that future elections would now see the APC dominate the area.
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“With the coming of Hon. Akingbaso into our party, we can boldly say that Idanre and Ifedore are now APC strongholds,” Adetimehin declared. “We urge everyone to rally behind President Bola Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the betterment of all.”
Akingbaso, in his remarks, said his decision to switch parties was driven by his desire to support the governor’s people-centered governance and the federal government’s reforms under President Tinubu.
“As someone who has witnessed President Tinubu’s performance at the federal level, I believe it is time to align with the vision that is driving real change,” he said. “Governor Aiyedatiwa has also shown remarkable leadership in Ondo State, and I am here to support his efforts in bringing governance closer to the people.”
The defection is being viewed as a major boost for the APC in the state, as preparations for future elections begin to gather momentum.