The once-calm political waters of Ondo State have been stirred as a wave of defections threatens to reshape the state’s political landscape.
In what can only be described as a political tsunami, over 500,000 devoted supporters of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko have made the decision to abandon the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The exodus was led by the duo of Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele, the only female Speaker in the history of the Ondo State House of Assembly, and Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, former Member of the House of Representatives.
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Akindele and Akinlaja are joined by other leaders such as Hon. Alabi, the erstwhile State Chairman of the PDP; Arc. Adejuyigbe, former Commissioner of Education and Local Government Chairman; Engr. Gboye Adegbenro, former Commissioner of Works and former Deputy Governorship Candidate; Barr. Tunde Atere, former Commissioner; Hon. Ajani; Hon. Kolade Akinjo, former Gubernatorial Candidate and Member of the House of Representatives; and Hon. Gboluga Ikengboju, another former Member of the House of Representatives.
Others are Hon. Lad-Ojomo, Omooba Eni Akinsola, former Chief Press Secretary and Senatorial Candidate; Alhaja Wey, former Special Adviser to former Governor Mimiko; Ms. Taiye Afilaka, former Special Adviser to the Governor; Alhaja SOK Ogunmodede; and Hon. Akinte.
The motivations behind this mass migration are rooted in deep-seated disillusionment with the PDP’s leadership and a desire to align with the APC’s progressive agenda. The defection has irrevocably transformed the political landscape of Ondo State, with ramifications that could potentially reshape the 2024 gubernatorial race and beyond.