Obanikoro, others dump PDP for APC

• He Is A Big Fish, Says APC
It was a carnival-like atmosphere at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos Island, yesterday, when former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

Others who defected with him include former presidential aide, Mrs. Modupe Shasore, Prince Kola Balogun, Kamal Olorunoje, Mr. Kayode Bawallah, Mr. Ayo Woddel, Fariu Arebi, Prince Micheal Oyebola, former youth leader of the PDP, Jide Ladehinde, and Mr. Olayinka Sotade.

The national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was absent, being bereaved, was represented by the national vice chairman of the party, southwest, Chief Pius Akinyelure.

The Guardian gathered that Obanikoro had Tinubu’s blessings, even as the Lagos State chairman of the party, Mr. Henry Ajomale, and other state executive members, who received him, said he is a big fish.

Obanikoro in his address said: “At this stage of my life, it is important for me to return to my original base and be part of the giant strides that has been achieved in Lagos State, which would not have been possible, but for the wisdom and sagacity of the architect of our modern democracy, my indefatigable Oga, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

“Politics is based and premised on ideologies and powered by interests. I am a progressive and my inalienable conviction about leadership is the need to identify with the yearnings of my people. I am a very proud son of Lagos and I will always do my best to support and fortify any efforts, social, economic or political directed at repositioning my home state for more development and prosperity.

“My political voyage started from this association and I am proud to have learnt under our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo is the greatest politician of all time and I make bold to say that the greatest politician of our time is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Today, with thousands of my followers, I rededicate myself to the progress and prosperity of Lagos,” he said.

Ajomale, noted that the return of the former minister, ambassador, commissioner and council chairman is a return to his natural habitat, saying the party is pleased to welcome one of its own who started the race with other progressives during the days of the Alliance of Democracy (AD).