Ekiti LG Poll: Oyebanji, APC leaders welcome PDP defectors

On Monday, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Paul Omotoso, and other prominent leaders of the party welcomed approximately 200 card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Efon Local Government area of the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the December 2nd local government elections in Ekiti State.

Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Femi Ige, former PDP Women leader in the local Government Lucia Adetunji, and PDP House of Assembly candidate Pastor Stephen Olusola were among the decampees received at the APC Party Secretariat in the local government.

Governor Oyebanji greeted the defectors with open arms at the APC secretariat in Efon Alaaye, assuring them that they had made the right decision by joining the ruling party.

Many of the defectors were described by the Governor as being “leaders and solid members” of the PDP, and he told them that the APC would treat them fairly. He also said that new members would be given the same opportunity as those who had previously joined the party.

The Governor has urged all members of the APC to stay united and accept the defectors with open arms so that the state can continue to make development.

You’re taking a chance if you come right now. The remaining potential APC members will be curious as to what becomes of them. People will come to the party if they are treated well. Since “these people were leaders where they’re coming from, they must maintain their leadership,” as the Governor put it, “I implore our party members,” to do so.

Pastor Stephen Olusola, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, said that the Governor’s good leadership style and strong performance were major factors in their decision to join the APC.

Olusola said that he and many other PDP members would soon be joining the All Progressives Congress, and that he and the APC leadership had their full support and commitment.