July 30, (THEWILL) — Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday received a fresh wave of defectors into the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Abiodun Akinlade.
Akinlade, who was also the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in the 2019 election, formally announced his return to the ruling party alongside several prominent opposition figures and their supporters.
Among those who joined the APC were the former PDP state chairman, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele; member representing Abeokuta South State Constituency 1, Hon. Luqmon Atobatele; former House of Assembly member, Hon. Idowu Olowofuja; ex-chairman of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Rotimi Rahaman; Dr. Mojeed Ekelojumati, and thousands of their followers from across the state.
Speaking at the reception held in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun assured the new entrants of equal treatment and full integration into the party’s structure.
“I want to assure you that we will accord you all the rights, privileges, and respect that you deserve,” the governor said.
He described the PDP as a “sinking ship,” noting that the spate of defections nationwide was a clear signal of its declining influence.
“Today, our brothers have come back home, and we are rejoicing. This is not just a political event; it is a statement of intent and a realignment for progress,” he added.
Governor Abiodun listed the calibre of those returning to the party—including a former House of Representatives member, a former deputy governorship candidate, serving lawmakers, former commissioners, and past council chairmen—as a testament to the growing strength of the APC in Ogun.
Hon. Akinlade, in his remarks, said their defection was a strategic and collective decision aimed at contributing meaningfully to the development of Ogun State under a progressive platform.
“This is not just decamping; this is a movement. We are here to support the governor, support the party, and contribute our quota to the state and the nation,” Akinlade said.
He praised Governor Abiodun’s humility and inclusive leadership, saying, “It takes great men to be gracious in victory. We appreciate the dignity with which he received us.”
On his part, Hon. Ogundele said their move was well-thought-out and inspired by the impressive strides of the APC-led government at both state and federal levels.
“This is not just a symbolic gesture. We, the most responsible members of the PDP and APM, from all 236 wards in Ogun State, have come to join the APC. This is history in the making,” he said.
Also speaking, Hon. Luqmon Atobatele lauded the governor for his magnanimity and non-partisan approach to governance.
“Governor Abiodun has done things no other governor has done. He supported medical missions in my constituency even when I was in the opposition,” he said, citing examples including free surgeries and state-backed medical outreach initiatives facilitated through the governor’s support.
The defection is seen as a major political boost for the APC in Ogun ahead of future elections.
