The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, August 11, 2025, formally welcomed Hon. Dayo Awude, former Labour Party Deputy Governorship candidate, alongside Dele Ogunbameru, former Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, and other leaders from ADC, PDP, ZLP into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the Akure City Hall, Governor Aiyedatiwa described their decision to join the APC as a “wise and strategic move,” stressing that in Ondo State, “there is no room for coalition; it is one APC.” He reaffirmed that the party’s priority is to retain power, backed by the record of good governance at both state and federal levels.
“The whole of Ondo State is for President Tinubu come 2027,” the Governor declared. “Today’s defection strengthens our resolve and ensures we do greater numbers for victory.”
Hon. Awude, a former deputy governorship candidate of the LP in the last gubernatorial election, a former Commissioner and PDP State Vice Chairman, said his defection was driven by alignment with the progressive ideals of the Aiyedatiwa administration. “I have joined the APC to add value, and Mr. Governor will see it,” he pledged, committing full support to both President Bola Tinubu and the Governor.
Dele Ogunbamerun, former secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) said the challenges he faced as a member of SDP were very overwhelming hence his resolve and that of other party members to join the APC under the leadership of “OUR EASE” Governor.
PDP Youth leader and grassroot mobilizer, Kuye Babatunde also decamped with his followers from Okitipupa Local Government, stating that it will be an abomination to work against a Yoruba President and therefore pledge allegiance to the APC and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, commended Awude’s political capacity, urging all defectors to “work towards delivering their units and wards, because true political strength begins at the grassroots.” He formally handed the new members over to Governor Aiyedatiwa as the leader of the party in the state.
The event was attended by top government officials, APC leaders, and party faithful from across Ondo State.
Hon. Fadeshola Ojamomi, Esq
SA to the Governor on Inter-Party Affairs
11/08/2025
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