Over 300 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further weakening the main opposition party in the state.
The defectors, who come from various wards across the 18 local government areas of Ondo, were formally welcomed into the APC at the party Secretariat in Akure, the state capital, on Monday.
Welcoming the new members, the state APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, described their defection as a boost to the party’s chances in the upcoming general elections for President Bola Tinubu and its national and state assembly candidates.
Adetimehin attributed the steady influx of new members to the party’s strong internal structure and leadership, adding that the APC has mechanisms to integrate newcomers without destabilising its existing framework.
“I want to welcome you to our party. This expansion of our membership base will further strengthen the APC ahead of future elections, particularly the presidential and state and national assembly elections,” he said. “Our party believes in the well-being of our people, and by the grace of God, our leadership is doing well. People know that when you join APC, your interests will be protected.”
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One of the defectors, Bamidele Ayodele, popularly known as BOA, who contested the last House of Assembly election on the PDP platform, described the move as a well-considered decision following consultations with stakeholders in the party.
Ayodele said the PDP was severely fractured and unable to provide effective governance, noting that more defections are expected at the ward level.
“Over 300 are here today, but I can tell you, over 2,000 more would join us in APC from the PDP very soon,” he said. “It’s not about being an opposition; it is more important to be a partner in progress.”
The defections come at a time when the APC is consolidating support ahead of the 2026 general elections in Ondo State and nationwide.