Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun, Dr Sikirullahi Ogundele, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside other former state executives of the party.
Those who also defected include former PDP State Publicity Secretary, Akinloye Bankole; former State Youth Leader, Oyejide Sunkanmi; and former State Women Leader, Kemi Adeyemi.
Several other PDP members from Ogun West Senatorial District also joined the APC and were received by the state APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, and the Ogun West Senatorial Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Ekweme, at a reception held at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion, Ilaro, on Sunday.
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The event was attended by Governor Dapo Abiodun; the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola; Minister of State for Health, Dr Kunle Salako; and member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, among other party leaders.
Speaking at the reception, Ogundele likened the PDP to a “burning house”, saying no rational person would remain in a building engulfed by fire and allow himself to be consumed.
The former PDP chairman said the movement of governors and other prominent politicians away from the party was evidence of what he described as its deepening crisis.
He added that remaining in the PDP would amount to “political suicide” for him and other members who had defected.
Ogundele also urged APC supporters to disregard claims questioning Adeola’s Ogun roots, arguing that similar allegations had been made against previous governors of the state.
“They said Amosun is from Benin Republic, Daniel from Delta State, Osoba from Osogbo. Despite that, they all emerged as governors of the state. So, what is going on against Yayi now is an indication that he will also win,” he said.
He further urged party members to disregard the controversy over the indigeneship of Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
Welcoming the defectors, Sanusi urged APC members to integrate them into the party structure and warned against discrimination or rejection.
“We welcome you into the largest political party in Africa. You are automatically members of the ruling party henceforth. Together we must ensure the victory of all candidates presented by the party for the 2027 elections,” he said.
Governor Abiodun also urged APC members to embark on door-to-door mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects at the polls.
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