Scores of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Efon Alaaye, home-town of the party’s flagbearer in the June 18 election, Bisi Kolawole, have dumped the party and declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP members, who are mainly from the Repositioning Group, the faction being led by Senator Biodun Olujimi, attributed their action on the impunity of those at the helm of affairs of the party, whom they said, lacked democratic credentials.
The leader of the group, Mr. Ajayi Busuyi from Ward 3, who spoke on behalf of other defectors during the visit of the candidate of the APC, Biodun Oyebanji, to Efon Local Council, said they had lost faith in the leadership of PDP and had no choice but to join the APC.
Another member of the group, Alasi Gboyega, from Ward 9 Efon, promised on behalf of others that they would henceforth join hands with APC members to woo more PDP members into APC.
Former Chairman of APC, Chief Jide Awe, who received the defectors, said the development was heartwarming and reassuring.
According to Awe, “Efon-Alaaye is the sixth local council we would be visiting on this ‘thank you visit’ but it is now on record that this is the first time we are receiving defectors from another party.
“This is heartwarming and we sincerely welcome our brothers and sisters from the other side for crossing to the progressive camp. While welcoming them on behalf of the leadership of the party, we assure them of fair treatment and co-operation,”
ALSO, Oyebanji, who also spoke at the event, described Efon-Alaaye as his second home.
He said the defection of PDP members to APC in Efon was a demonstration of love from the people.
“I feel at home being in Efon because of my early days’ upbringing in Efon and the fact that my father was once a Principal in the community. In particular, I congratulate the teachers here today because my parents were teachers and I’m going to be a teacher- governor.
“Another issue that impresses me here today is the defection of many people from PDP. To me, this is symbolic and a signal that Efon people are prepared for the task ahead. I assure those coming in of a level playing field in APC and I promise to always be there for our people,”
The leader of the team and Chairman, Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Bejide, commended members of the party in Ijero, Ekiti West and Irepodun Ifelodun local councils for their support during the primary election and urged them to make sure they get their PVCs before the election to be able to vote for Oyebanji.
