Over 300 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further weakening the opposition in the state.
The defectors, from various wards across the 18 local government areas, were welcomed at the APC Secretariat in Akure on Monday.
Ade Adetimehin, Ondo State APC Chairman described the defection as a boost for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Adetimehin, the influx of new members reflects APC’s strong internal structure and capacity to integrate entrants without destabilising the party.
In his words, “I want to welcome you to our party. This expansion of our membership base will strengthen the party ahead of future elections, particularly the presidential, state, and national assembly polls.
“Our party believes in the well-being of our people, and your interests will be protected when you join APC.”
Bamidele Ayodele, popularly known as BOA, a former PDP House of Assembly candidate, said the decision to leave the opposition was well-considered after consultations with party stakeholders.
“The PDP is severely fractured and not ready to provide credible governance. It is better to join the ruling party and give the people the dividend of democracy,” Ayodele said.
He added that over 2,000 more PDP members had resolved to join the APC at the ward level soon, describing the defection as a partnership in progress rather than merely abandoning opposition politics.
