More than 300 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), dealing another blow to the opposition party in the state.
The defectors, drawn from wards across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State, were formally received at the APC secretariat in Akure on Monday. Party leaders described the development as a major boost to the APC’s political strength ahead of future elections.
Welcoming the new members, the APC Chairman in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, said the growing wave of defections reflects confidence in the party’s leadership and organisational structure. He noted that the APC has effective mechanisms for integrating new members while maintaining internal unity.
Adetimehin added that the expansion of the party’s membership base would enhance its chances in upcoming presidential, national, and state assembly elections, expressing optimism that the momentum would support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. He also urged the defectors to return to their respective wards and fully engage in party activities.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Bamidele Ayodele, popularly known as BOA, said the decision to leave the PDP followed extensive consultations with party stakeholders. A former House of Assembly candidate, Ayodele described the PDP as deeply divided and unprepared to offer credible leadership or governance.
According to him, more than 300 members were physically present at the defection event, while over 2,000 additional PDP members at the ward level have already indicated their intention to join the APC in the coming days.
Ayodele explained that the move was driven by a desire to align with what he described as a party delivering development and stability. He stressed that political relevance should be measured by contribution to progress rather than remaining in opposition, adding that joining the ruling party was the most practical way to advance the interests of the people.
