500 APC, SDP, PDP Members Defect to Ogun ADC

Chairman, Ogun East Senatorial district of the ADC, Hon. Ladi Odujirin, during the inauguration of the district office at the weekend in Ijebu-Ode, said that the “new converts”, who held key positions at the grassroots level in their former parties, were disenfranchised by some power brokers.

The defectors, who were received by the state chairman of the party, Dr. Gbolade Osinowo, at the event, were ward executives and mobilisation leaders across 15 out of the 20 LGAs in the state.

He said, “The politicians defected following the ongoing crisis, division and dwindling fortunes of their former parties, which, according to them, might affect the parties from winning elections in 2019. They have expressed belief in the ideology of our great party and willingness to work with our governorship candidate, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, popularly known as GNI.

“Aside from the 500, we have also received over 400 other politicians, including a member of Ogun House of Assembly, Mr. Jimi Otukoya, from PDP-Ijebu North East, among others, in the last one month. The politicians understand the tide and decided to be proactive by positioning themselves in the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.”

Contrary to the fears in some quarters that some of the defectors might have a negative effect on the existing structure of the party, Osinowo said, “I assure all members that with the help of God and the Guide of the party, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ADC has an unshakable and formidable structure that no one with bad intentions can alter.

“The leadership of ADC at the state and national level is set to provide a responsible and responsive opposition until we take over in 2019. This is against the alarming scenario of the unyielding actions, unemployment, economic lull, insecurity created by the ruling party that has failed to admit its failure to deliver the professed ‘Change’.

He added that the first-hand feelers from the electorate and residents indicated that a significant number of them were disillusioned with the style of governance adopted by the ruling party in the state and were determined to seek an alternative platform.

“A lot of civil servants, artisans and investing public are tired of poverty inflicted on the people by the ruling party, which they described as an expired drug and they can’t wait for ADC to subvert it,” he said.

Coordinator of the defectors, Ms. Bisi Ikuforiji, popularly known as Opelenge, expressed appreciation to the leadership of ADC in the state as she lauded the warm reception given to the members of her group.

She said, “We are delighted to be associated with ADC as it appears to be the only third force that is destined to overthrow the ruling party in Ogun State. We joined the new party because we observed fairness and transparency in its processes; unlike other major parties where vote-buying has been the order of the day.”