Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo, former House of Assembly candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Dr Jimoh Akinsola, on Monday dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akinsola, a Chieftain of the PDP in Igbotako, said he quit PDP and joined APC along with thousands of supporters in his constituency.
According to him, his decision to join the APC on his desire to complement the struggle to enthrone good governance was displayed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
He noted; “The tremendous projects, interventions, and developmental projects embarked upon by Aiyedatiwa within a short time is unequal,” he said.
Akinsola explained that he decided to join the APC after due consultation with his associates and admirers in and around the country, harping on his determination to join the ruling party for the development of the state.
He also expressed satisfaction with the leadership qualities of Aiyedatiwa since he assumed the reigns of governance in the state.
He assured the leaders that he would galvanize all resources towards achieving a resounding victory for the APC in the forthcoming governorship poll.
He expressed optimism about his ability to add greater value to the party in the state as a grassroots politician, the governor assured him and his supporters of all necessary recognition and support in the APC.
Akinsola was the PDP House of Assembly candidate during the 2023 general election for Okitipupa constituency 1 joined the APC in his Igbotako Ward two at an event held at the St Pius Catholic field on Sunday.
While receiving the new entrants, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Local Government Affairs, Amidu Takuro who represented the state governor, expressed delight over Akinsola’s decision to join APC with his numerous supporters.
He encouraged the people to troop out en masse on November 16 to vote for the APC and the governor, noting that, the election would be an affirmation of the governor’s numerous works across all sectors of the state.
According to him, ” For this crowd of people to follow you to the APC without any form of inducement or coercion, it shows only one thing that you are a great leader and a Grassroots politician and we are proud of you, Dr Akinsola Jimoh.
” The governor asked me to come here today and appreciate you for joining the winning team. You are a talent that can’t afford to be in the opposition.”
He encouraged the defectors and other members of the party to make themselves relevant by regularly attending party ward meetings and mobilised to achieve success for the APC.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Aiyerin commended Dr Jimoh and his followers for their decision to join the APC, saying it would bolster the chances of the party ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
Aiyerin urged party members in the ward and the local government to intensify their mobilization towards the election.
He added that members must work towards delivering a huge number of votes for the APC and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in November.
The APC chairman in Okitipupa local government, Igbekele Akinriwa said the chances of the APC in the council area would further be solidified with the joining of Dr Akinsola Jimoh and his supporters.
The event was attended by leaders and members of the APC in the state including the commissioner for commerce and industry, Pastor Segun Aiyerin; his counterpart in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro; House of Assembly member representing Okitipupa constituency 1, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa; the APC chairman in Okitipupa LGA, Igbekele Akinriwa and the Acting Chairman of Ikale North LCDA, Hon Abiodun Owonola (Equity).
Other leaders at the meeting were a former member of State House of Assembly, Hon Niyi Adebusoye; Special Assistant to the Governor, Idowu Edema, amongst others.
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