Leaders of former members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who recently defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have explained why they defected to the APC, declaring that more decampees are on the way.
In a statement signed by 31 leaders among those who decamped from all the 30 local governments and Area office, the group described their defection as “real, authentic, widespread and in thousands, not hundreds.
“We decide to issue this statement following controversy generated by a survey report from the Democracy Polling Agency which affirmed that 45 percent of Oyetola faction of the APC have defected to the PDP.
“We want to confirm that many of us were interviewed by the researchers who asked several questions from us. Many of us across the local governments were interviewed. When we saw the report, we knew it reflected our position.
“We left APC because the party has become unfocused, unpopular, anti-people, vendetta driven and unelectable. We left the APC because we want to be part of good things happening in our state. We are glad Governor Ademola Adeleke has turned around the fortunes of Osun state for the better.
“We don’t want to be part of the failure of the past. Osun’s government failed in the past under APC and we now have a government of PDP that is doing the bidding and aspirations of the people. We decided to be part of the success story.
“We also want to clarify that we have no problem with old members we met on the ground in the PDP. They are wonderful host and we are joining hands to build a better state. As new members, our goal is to ensure the re-election of Mr Governor. We want the good work to continue.
“To the APC, we are real leaders from across the local governments who left your party for PDP. We put our names on this statement so the public can know we are real.
“We can assert that more than 50 percent of Ileri Oluwa APC have left for PDP. More APC members are joining the PDP. It is a continuous exercise”, the statement concluded.
E-Signed:
1.Hon. Oluomo Owolabi, the former Chairman of Ife East Local Government
2.Chief Rami Akande Odedele, Ife East Area Office, Modakeke;
3.Oyemade George Opeoluwa, former APC PRO and Local Member Governorship Campaign Committee Member; Ife East Area Local Government;
4.Hon Debo Asaolu, former leader of the House, Ilesha East Local Government;
5.Hon Niyi Oyeleye, Former ALGON Chairman, Ilesa East Local Government;
6.Hon. Olagoke Afolayan, Ifedayo Local Government;
7.Hon. Goke Olaoye, Ifedayo Local Government;
8.Hon. Tajudeen Lawal Augustine, former Secretary, Iwo LGEA Board, Iwo Local Government;
9.Dr. Isiaka Akande, Iwo Local Government;
10.Alhaja Idaya Fanta, Iwo Local Government;
11.Alh. Lateef Olayiwola, Orolu Government;
12 Pastor Sola Akande, Orolu Local Government);
13.Chief Lekan Salami, former State NURTW Chairman, Ilesa West Local Government;
14.Hon ibikunle Olawale Mufutau (Agba),Osogbo Local Government;
15.Akeem Kareem, APC Ward Leader, Osogbo Local Government;
16.Nuru Odofin, Present APC Secretary Ward 7, Osogbo Local Government;
17.Hon Tajudeen Hassan, Olorunda Local Government;
18.Hon. Femi Idowu Clement, Odo-Otin Local Government;
19.Mrs Oyeniyi Sidikat (APC woman leader, Ward 15), Odo-Otin Local Government;
20.Y K Balogun, Ekosin, Odo-Otin Local Government;
21.Alhaja Amiola Aminat (Immediate past Secretary Local Government Education Authority Board), Ayedaade Local Government;
22.Hon. Monsuru Adeyefa Immediate Past Ward Secretary, Ayedaade Local Government;
23.Hon Segun Adewuyi, Ila Local Government;
24.Alhaji Sule Maito a.k.a. Ajerin Ababa, former AD Irewole chairman, Irewole Local Government;
25.Mrs. Ishola Oyewumi, the wife of the former APC Senatorial Leader, Irewole Local Government;
26.Chief Kayode Alabi Aresa of Ikire land, Irewole Local Government;
27.Hon Wasiu Olowonuora, former Councilor Alajue 1 Ward 4, Ede South Local Government;
28.Hon Aboiodun Ajuwon, former Councilor Babasanya Ward 3 and former APC local youth leader, Ede South Local Government;
29.Hon Musibaudeen Iwapele, former Councilor Alajue1 Ward 4, Ede South Local Government;
30.Olatunji Olatunbosun, Ife Central Local Government;
31.Ambassador Adekunle Ibraheem, Ifelodun Local Government
32.Hon Taoheed Wasiu, former Assembly Aspirant, Iwo LGA