PDP, ADP Members Defect to APC in Osun
Several members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Alliance Democratic Party (ADP) in Osun State defected to the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in the Irewole local government area on Sunday.
Additionally, numerous members of the Aregbesola caucus of The Osun Progressives (TOP), a faction within the APC, have also rejoined the party.
Led by former local government Secretary Alimi Surajudeen, the defectors criticized the PDP as an oppressive party that mistreats and sidelines its members.
They cited unequal treatment and favoritism within the PDP, claiming that the party’s leadership only benefits a select group of friends and family, neglecting other loyal members who have worked for the party’s progress.
“I was a former Secretary of the local government during Oyinlola’s tenure. A political party should serve the masses, not a select few. When only 2 percent out of 100 are benefiting, it creates suffering and problems for the masses,” Surajudeen said.
“In a party where you feel isolated and see favoritism towards friends and family, it’s not a party for the masses. I cannot remain in such a party.”
Surajudeen further criticized the PDP’s dominance by a few in Irewole, stating, “In Osun State, especially in Irewole, only those seen as family dominate, without giving others the opportunity to benefit from democracy’s dividends. I cannot belong to such a party.”
The Managing Director and CEO of National Inland Waterways, Bola Oyebamiji, welcomed the defectors to the APC in his hometown of Ikire.
He praised their decision, assuring them that the APC would significantly impact their lives positively. Oyebamiji described the APC as the only party that could provide the defectors with relief, attributing their defection to divine intervention.
“Their decision to join APC is a timely and wise one,” Oyebamiji said. “The positive impacts of the APC will be greatly felt in their lives. This defection is ordained by Almighty God.”
The defections mark a notable development in Osun State’s political landscape, as the APC strengthens its ranks with the inclusion of former PDP and ADP members, as well as returning members from the Aregbesola caucus.
