A former member of the House of Representatives, Stephen Olemija, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Olemija represented Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency in the the Eight National Assembly.
Other PDP stalwarts who defected to the ruling party include former chairman of Akoko North East and PDP standard bearer in the last House of Representatives by-election, Lekan Bada, and a notable leader of the opposition party in Akoko, Momoh Mufu.
The defectors were received into APC by the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the weekend in Ikare-Akoko during the governor’s campaign tour of Akoko North East Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa is the APC candidate in the November 16 gubernatorial election in the state.
During the campaign tour, Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, visited Ikare-Akoko, Iboropa and Akunnu communities where they solicited votes.
The governor expressed gratitude for the warm reception and royal blessings he received from the royal fathers in the local government areas.
He said: “I am truly humbled by the incredible show of support from the people of Ikare. Your commitment to our vision for a better Ondo State fills me with immense pride.
“Ikare has always been a beacon of progress, and your loyalty reassures us that our efforts are being recognised and valued.”
“We have achieved so much together, from upgrading our roads to enhancing agriculture and investing in our schools. But our work is far from over.
“With your continued support on November 16, we can deliver even more transformation and development.”